locus coeruleus

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locus coeruleus

·April 6, 2020

Changes in brain attention may underlie autism

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

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·September 15, 2019

How the eyes might be windows to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

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

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 12, 2019

Alzheimer’s disease destroys neurons that keep us awake

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

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 25, 2019

What stress does to the brain

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

Featured Neuroscience

·January 14, 2019

The Circuits That Help You Keep Your Cool

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

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 22, 2018

Brain Structure Linked with Sex Based Differences in Anxiety Behavior: Mouse Study

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

Featured Neuroscience

·May 10, 2018

Meditation and Breathing Exercises Can Sharpen Your Mind

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

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 7, 2018

Why People Become More Prone to Distraction With Age

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

Featured Neuroscience

·February 14, 2018

Tiny Brain Region Responsible for Strengthening Important Memories Under Stress

Researchers implicate the locus coeruleus in storing memories of stressful events. Read More

Featured Neuroscience

·December 27, 2017

How the Brain Selectively Remembers New Places

MIT researchers have identified a brain network that allows the brain to record memories of new places. Read More

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·September 18, 2017

Learning and Unlearning Fear: The Two Faces of Noradrenaline

RIKEN researchers report neurons in the locus coeruleus play a key role in emotional and flexible learning. Read More

Image shows a diagram of the pathway that connects the brain's breathing and arousal centers.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 31, 2017

How Slow Breathing Induces Tranquility

Researchers have identified a group of neurons that relay information from the brain's respiratory system to an areas of the brain associated with generating arousal. Read More

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