The delicate balance between learning new behaviors and expressing old habits is controlled by two different populations of neurons in the dorsolateral striatum.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are significantly altered in depression in both sex and brain site-specific manners. The LINC00473 gene is downregulated in the prefrontal cortex of depressed females, but not males. Findings reveal the role of LINC00473 in sex-specific depression and may explain why females are more vulnerable to depressive symptoms than males.
CBD reduces craving and anxiety in those with heroin use disorder during withdrawal from the drug. There were no serious adverse reactions, or impairments to cognition noted with the administration of CBD. Researchers suggest cannabidiol may be useful in helping to combat opioid addiction.
A new study reports impairments in six brain networks are associated with addiction behaviors. The findings may pave the way for developing more targeted treatments for addiction.
Researchers report the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex play key roles in decision making.
Researchers have identified a bio-chemical circuit that supports neuron-microglia communication. When neurons are active, they release ATP. Microglia sense extracellular ATP and the compound draws the immune cell toward the neuron.
A new study reports herpes virus utilizes ancient RNA to proliferate, mimicking the same process tumors have been found to manipulate. The findings could have implications for new treatment options and also may shed light on neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study reports prenatal exposure to common antidepressants and antipsychotics does not increase the risk of a child developing autism.
A genetic liability for major depression increases suicide risk across other psychiatric disorders.
Researchers report a gut-brain neural circuit establishes the vagus nerve as an essential component of the brain system that regulates reward and motivation.
Study reveals how the brain utilizes forward-thinking when we try to influence others or gain social control.
Mothers who use cannabis during pregnancy to relieve stress may be putting their children at risk of developing anxiety and stress later in life. Researchers found placental tissue revealed cannabis use in mothers was associated with lower expression of immune-activating genes. Cannabis suppression of placental immune-gene networks predicted higher anxiety in children.
