Study sheds light on the brain chemistry involved in attention loss when a person drinks alcohol. Read More
Stimulating noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus that carry signals from the brain down the spinal dorsal horn activates astrocytes. The astrocyte activation results in hypersensitivity to pain. Read More
Study identifies a key role locus coeruleus neurons play in attentional control. Read More
Exercise increases levels of galanin in the brain stem, making mice more resilient to stress. Read More
Those on the autism spectrum had atypically smaller pupil dilation compared to the control group during distracting conditions while taking a push-button test. The findings suggest those with ASD may have dysregulation in locus coeruleus activity. The dysregulation of the LC may explain the exaggerated responses to environmental stimuli and fixated behaviors many with ASD experience. Read More
Adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to Alzheimer's disease, have greater pupil dilation when taking cognitive tests than their cognitively normal peers. Task-evoked pupillary response may be a cost-effective, and low invasive screening test for those at genetic risk for Alzheimer's before the symptoms of the disease take hold. Read More
Tau accumulations disrupt wake-promoting neurons. The findings help explain why day-time napping and sleep disruptions are often reported in Alzheimer's patients. Read More
A new study sheds light on how the brain changes as a result of chronic stress. Selective noradrenaline release rewires connectivity patterns between different brain regions. Activity in the amygdala and networks that process sensory stimuli increased. Read More
Researchers reveal how connections from around the mammalian brain stimulate two key cell types in the locus coeruleus to moderate arousal in two different ways. Read More
A new mouse study reveals females have a three fold higher abundance of EP3, in addition to elevated levels of genes associated with major depressive disorder in the locus coeruleus. Read More
Trinity College Dublin researchers report controlled breathing, a key element of meditation, directly affects noradrenaline levels in the brain. The study suggests controlled breathing can enhance attention and improve overall brain health. Read More
A new study reports the locus coerleus, a brain network that controls our ability to focus while under stress, appears to weaken as we age. This may explain why we find it more difficult to focus as we get older. Read More
