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·October 14, 2021·6 min read

Scientists Map Brain Circuit That Drives Activity in Fertile Females

Mouse study identifies specific neurons and a signaling pathway to regions of the hindbrain that mediate sexual reproductive activity and physical activity that appear to influence activity behaviors during ovulation. The findings may provide valuable insights into how estrogen loss during menopause disrupts this activity.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 15, 2018·4 min read

Seeing and Smelling Food Prepares the Liver for Digestion: Mouse Study

Researchers say the sight and smell of food alone may be enough to prompt the liver to start the processes that help digest food.

The image shows an obese mouse next to a mouse of normal weight.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 10, 2013·4 min read

Brain Circuit Links Obsessive Compulsive Behavior and Obesity

New research suggests brain circuits which control obsessive compulsive behavior are intertwined with circuits which control food intake and body weight. The findings could have implications for treating obsessive compulsive disorder.

Electrophysiology Featured Psychology

·July 11, 2012·7 min read

Why the Thrill is Gone: Scientists Identify Potential Target for Treating Major Symptom of Depression

Scientists have laid bare a novel molecular mechanism responsible for the major depression symptom, anhedonia, the loss of the ability to experience pleasure. The brain circuit involved in this newly elucidated pathway is largely identical between rodents and humans, upping the odds that the findings point toward new therapies for depression and other disorders. Additionally, opinion leaders hailed the study’s inventive methodology, saying it may offer a much sounder approach to testing new antidepressants.