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locus coeruleus

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·July 14, 2022·3 min read

Why Do Embarrassing Memories Seem to Surface at Night?

During REM sleep, the locus coeruleus stops releasing noradrenaline. By blocking the cascade, the association between memory and emotional response is broken. This may not occur so frequently in restless sleepers, resulting in rumination and PTSD-like symptoms. For those who usually sleep well, embarrassing feelings experienced at night may be reduced by morning.

Image of a depressed looking man sitting by a wall.

Featured Psychology

·February 15, 2016·2 min read

Noradrenaline Linked to Vulnerability to Depression

A new study reveals a link between a vulnerability to depression and noradrenergic neurons.

Image shows the location of the lc in the human brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 7, 2016·5 min read

Researchers Identify Method For Creating Long Lasting Memories

Findings have implications for learning methods and memory consolidation.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 22, 2018·4 min read

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.

This shows a connectome brain map of neurons in the LC, image caption "How the Brain’s Norepinephrine Hub Drives Learning."

Featured Neuroscience

·September 18, 2026·6 min read

Brain’s “Blue Place” Rewrites How Norepinephrine Drives Learning

A new study maps the locus coeruleus, showing it routes targeted norepinephrine signals for learning and contains the longest recorded mouse axon.

This image shows a brain slice with the locus coeruleus highlighted in green.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience

·August 24, 2015·4 min read

Exposure to Sudden Sounds and Brief Trauma Results in Lasting Memories

According to a new study, brief exposure to mild trauma or sudden sounds can permanently alter neural networks and form long lasting memories.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 14, 2018·5 min read

Tiny Brain Region Responsible for Strengthening Important Memories Under Stress

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

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·May 2, 2024·6 min read

Brainstem Plays Vital Role in Visual Attention

Researchers highlights the locus coeruleus (LC), a small brainstem region, as critical in enhancing visual sensory processing through its production of norepinephrine. In the study scientists used optogenetics to activate these specific neurons in non-human primates, significantly improving their performance in a visual attention task.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 25, 2019·3 min read

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.

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

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 31, 2017·6 min read

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.