Glial cells are critical players in brain’s response to social stress
The behavior of oligodendrocytes plays a critical role in determining whether we tolerate or succumb to stress. ... Read More...
mPFC
Study examines cannabis’ effects on brain neurochemistry
Study evaluates the effects of regular cannabis use on cortical dopamine function in youth at high risk of psychosis. ... Read More...
Impaired brain activity in rats with family history of alcohol abuse
Neural patterns of activity in the medial prefrontal cortex associated with the intention to drink alcohol are influenced by the genetic risk for alcohol use disorder.... Read More...
Anxious people quicker to flee danger
Those with anxiety escape from non-imminent threats of danger sooner than those who are not anxious. ... Read More...
To boldly go or anxiously hang back? Mouse Study
Inhibiting VIP interneurons disrupts medial prefrontal cortex representations of anxiety-related information which drive avoidance behaviors. ... Read More...
Possible link between autism and antidepressants use during pregnancy: Mouse Study
A new study in mice reveals a possible link between the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism-like symptoms in offspring. Offspring exposed to fluoxetine (Prozac) in utero were more likely to exhibit impaired neurotransmission caused by an overactive serotonin receptor in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain implicated in modulating social behaviors. However, treating the mice with a compound that blocks the receptor alleviated the behavioral problems and improved working memory.... Read More...
How education may stave off cognitive decline
Neuroimaging reveals those who have spent more years studying have increased cortical thickness in the medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal areas of the brain. Researchers also identified enhanced gene expression profiles in these brain regions that promote information processing and provide protection against some age-related neurodegenerative diseases.... Read More...
Learning From Mistakes: Neurons Which Catch Our Mistakes and Correct Our Behavior Identified
Researchers identified specific neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex, called self monitoring error neurons, that fire immediately after people make a mistake.... Read More...
Dopamine Primes the Brain for Enhanced Vigilance
Researchers have identified a brain network that may control the diversion of attention to focus on potential threats. Dopamine, they report, is key to the process.... Read More...
Aging and Decision Making: Who Makes Riskier Decisions?
Researchers report older people may make riskier decisions than younger people. ... Read More...
Why it Doesn’t Go Dark When You Blink
Researchers report the medial prefrontal cortex calibrates current visual information with previously obtained information to help us perceive the world with more stability, helping to retain visual consistency as we blink.... Read More...
The Neuroscience of Envy
A new study provides insight into the neurobiological underpinnings of envy. Researchers have identified a part of the brain that specifically registers when another receives a reward. This affects the subjective value placed on personal resources and rewards.... Read More...