An island for negative emotions
In mice, the insular cortex processes negative emotions and bodily discomfort. The findings shed light on emotional processing in animals and humans.... Read More...
insula
Frog in your throat? Stress might be to blame for vocal issues
Stress can have an impact on voice disorders. Researchers found those with higher salivary cortisol levels also exhibited brain activity that impacted the larynx. Those who were more introverted were more likely to have stress reactions related to speech.... Read More...
Multiple brain regions moderate and link depressive mood and pain
People with higher levels of depressive moods exhibited heightened sensitivity to pain, and had greater activation in the prefrontal cortex, insula and somatosensory cortex.... Read More...
Anxious people quicker to flee danger
Those with anxiety escape from non-imminent threats of danger sooner than those who are not anxious. ... Read More...
Exercise Benefits Brains and Blood Flow Changes in Older Adults
Exercise is associated with improved brain function and a decrease in cerebral blood flow in older people with mild cognitive impairment, a new study reports. ... Read More...
Personality and Mood Affect Brain Response to Personal Choice
Researchers report personality traits and psychological health impact how we value personal control when making decisions. The study reports brain activity in the motivation system is dampened in those with passive personalities and depression when we receive rewards that we have earned or feel in personal control of situations.... Read More...
MDMA Makes People Cooperative, But Not Gullible
Researchers report MDMA, the main compound in ecstasy, helps people to cooperate better, but only when the other person is trustworthy.... Read More...
Brain Changes Found in Self-Injuring Teen Girls Similar to BPD
A new neuroimaging study reveals the brains of teenage girls who self harm show similar features to adults with borderline personality disorder. ... Read More...
Brain Signature of Depressed Mood Identified
A new study reveals common brain activity patterns associated with depressive moods. ... Read More...
Does Neuroscience Hold the Key to Understanding the Criminal Mind?
According to a new study those with higher criminal tendencies choose to take risks and gamble more than law abiding citizens.... Read More...
‘Compulsivity Circuit’ in Heavy Drinkers Identified
Researchers identify a driving network for compulsivity in those with alcohol use disorders. The study reports heavy drinkers have more activity in the prefronal cortex, insular and striatum, areas of the brain critical for reward and decision making.... Read More...
Dominant Men Make Decisions Faster
Regardless of social context, highly dominant males respond faster in situations where decisions need to be made, a new study reports.... Read More...