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Medical University of South Carolina

This shows DNA and the outline of a person.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 13, 2024·7 min read

Genetic Mechanism Links Emotional Experiences to Behavior Changes

Researchers have identified a genetic mechanism that regulates behavioral adaptations to emotional experiences by forming R-loops, unique RNA:DNA structures that activate target genes. The study focused on NPAS4, a gene implicated in stress and drug addiction, showing how blocking R-loops prevents maladaptive behaviors like cocaine seeking and stress-induced anhedonia in mice.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·March 27, 2024·7 min read

THC Metabolism Could Influence Cannabis Use Disorder Risk

Researchers linked differences in THC metabolism to varying effects of cannabis use and the risk of developing Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). The study, which included young adults with and without CUD, found that genetic differences in THC-metabolizing enzymes can lead to stronger and longer-lasting effects of cannabis, especially among females who metabolize THC more slowly.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 12, 2023·7 min read

Psychedelic Breakthrough: MDMA Revolutionizes PTSD Treatment

Psychedelic therapies, including the use of MDMA, are set to revolutionize psychiatric treatments, especially for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The anticipation builds for the FDA's approval of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, which will mark a first for a psychedelic drug in mainstream medicine.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 19, 2023·4 min read

Study Challenges the Idea That Early Parkinson’s Disease Causes Cognitive Dysfunction

Parkinson's disease does not generally reduce cognitive function within the first five years, a new study reports.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·April 7, 2023·6 min read

New Genetic Finding Provides Clue for Personalizing Depression Treatment

The NPAS4 gene may play a critical role in linking long-term stress to depression and depressive behaviors. The findings may lead to new, targeted treatments for depression as a result of chronic stress.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 28, 2023·6 min read

Individualized Brain Fingerprints Can Help to Uncover Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

A novel neuroimaging technique allows physicians to visualize subtle brain changes on an individualized level in patients with pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease.

This shows a medium spiny neuron in the nca

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 25, 2023·6 min read

A New Epigenetic Brain Defense Against Recurrence of Opioid Use

HDAC5, the "epigenetics" enzyme, plays a key role in limiting opioid-associated memories and drug-seeking behaviors following abstinence from drugs in rats. The findings provide a new avenue for the treatment of opioid addiction.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 9, 2023·5 min read

Putting the Brake on Risky Behaviors

A newly discovered neural circuit in the thalamus prevented reward-seeking behaviors when activated in a preclinical model. When blocked, this circuit increases high-risk reward-seeking behaviors. The findings could lead to new therapies for addiction and other disorders associated with high-risk reward-seeking behaviors.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·January 13, 2023·4 min read

Cannabis and the Oral Microbiome: Exploring Their Impacts on the Brain

A new study seeks to better understand how cannabis use alters the oral microbiome and how this may have an impact on neurodegenerative disorders.

Auditory Neuroscience Autism Featured Neuroscience

·December 21, 2022·7 min read

A Link Between Hearing Loss and Autism Spectrum Disorder

MEF2C, a gene critical for brain development and regulating circuit formation in the brain also plays a significant role in inner ear development. Mutations of MEF2C have previously been linked to ASD. Researchers found mice with only one copy of the MEF2C gene had reduced activity in the auditory nerve.

this shows the van-dan network in the brain

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 27, 2021·5 min read

Brain Connectivity Is Lower in Adults With PTSD or a History of Sexual Abuse

People who experienced sexual abuse or suffer from PTSD have reduced connectivity in the ventral and dorsal attention network (VAN-DAN network) compared to those with no history of abuse or PTSD.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 25, 2021·4 min read

Deterioration of Brain Cells in Parkinson’s Disease Is Slowed by Blocking the Bach1 Protein

Bach1, a protein that blocks the expression of genes associated with neuroprotection, has been implicated in Parkison's disease. Researchers say blocking Bach1 slows the deterioration of brain cells in preclinical models of Parkinson's disease.