Cortical representations for the sounds and meanings of new words learned form within an hour or two following exposure. Read More
Neuroimaging pinpoints areas of the brain that regulate efforts to deal with fatigue. The study reveals the neural mechanisms that contribute to feelings of fatigue. Read More
Coercion to perform detrimental actions against others reduces empathy and guilt, a new study reports. The findings may explain why people are able to commit immoral acts that go against their ethical stance when coerced. Read More
Using chemogenetic methods, researchers activated neurons in the anterior insular and increased prosocial behavior in rodent models of opioid addiction. Read More
Three months of transcendental meditation reduced anxiety and resulted in marked changes in connectivity between the precuneus, left parietal lobe, and insula. Read More
Study identified the neural correlates of fear during dreaming and reports similar areas are activated when experiencing fear during wakeful states. Read More
Reduced gray matter volume in the insula and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may represent a genetically conferred predispositional risk factor for alcohol use disorder. Read More
White matter tracts show increasing maturation with age from the back to the front of the brain. The maturations begin as a child reaches 9-12 years of age. The maturity correlates with a critical and formative period of development. Read More
In mice, the insular cortex processes negative emotions and bodily discomfort. The findings shed light on emotional processing in animals and humans. Read More
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
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
Those with anxiety escape from non-imminent threats of danger sooner than those who are not anxious. Read More