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