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neurobiology

Image shows a brain with the amygdala highlighted in red.

·July 17, 2017·5 min read

Late Breaking Mutations May Play an Important Role in Autism

A study in Nature Neuroscience reveals mutations that occur after conception could play an important role in autism. The study reports post-zygotic mutations occur disproportionately in genes expressed in the amygdala in those on the autism spectrum.

Featured Psychology

·July 17, 2017·4 min read

Brain Circuit Study Finds Key Links to Depressive Symptoms

Researchers have discovered a link between specific neural circuits to distinct behavioral symptoms of depression. The study, published in Cell, reports altering the networks helped to improve symptoms such as social withdrawal and helplessness.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 15, 2017·4 min read

How Neurons Sense Our Everyday Life

Researchers at King's College London have identified a molecular mechanism that allows neural connections to adapt as a result of experience. This adaptation fuels our ability for memory and learning.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 15, 2017·5 min read

Not All Astrocytes in the Brain Are the Same

A new study published in Neuron challenges the idea that astrocytes across the brain are largely identical. Researchers found astrocytes in the hippocampus and striatum have differences that affect how they function and interact with neurons. Striatal astrocytes also have different genes turned on that hippocampal astrocytes, the study reports.

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·July 14, 2017·5 min read

Newly Discovered Elovanoids Called a ‘Transformative New Concept of Biology’

Researchers report they have discovers a new class of mediators, named elovanoids. These bioactive chemical messengers are created from omega-3 very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and released in response to cell injury. The findings are reported in Scientific Reports.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 10, 2017·4 min read

Decoding Brain Evolution

A new center headed by neurobiologists at Harvard is looking to unravel some long standing mysteries of the human brain. Researchers, backed by a $10 million grant, hope to shed light on brain development, evolution and human behavior. The funding will allow researchers to use ancient DNA to track frequency of genetic changes and provide a better understanding of the nature of human adaptation.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 10, 2017·3 min read

Chew On This: Reduced Mastication Impairs Memory and Learning Function

Researchers find changes in masticatory stimuli can modulate neurogenesis and hippocampal function. Published in the Journal of Dental Research, findings reveal reduced mastication impaired learning and memory function in mice.

Image shows the location of the prencueus in the brain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 10, 2017·4 min read

Bulimic Brains Respond Differently to Food Cues Following Stressful Events

According to a new study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, the brains of women with the eating disorder Bulimia Nervosa respond differently to images of sugary and high-fat foods following a stressful situation than those without the disorder. Brain scans reveal bulimic women have decreased blood flow to the precuneus, an area of the brain associated with self-criticism, when presented with images of food following a stressful math test. The findings provide support to current theories that binge eating may provide an alternative focus to negative self-reflections.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 7, 2017·4 min read

Your Hands May Reveal the Struggle to Maintain Self Control

A new study reports your hands could reveal whether you are disciplined or lack self control before a physical decision is made. The findings could shed new light on how our cognitive processes unfold to allow us to resist temptation.

Image shows desk items such as pens, pins and clips, all in straight line.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 7, 2017·4 min read

Changes in Brain Regions May Explain Why Some Prefer Certainty and Order

Changes in the orbitofrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala may help explain a person's preference for uncertain outcomes, as well as a preference for order and certainty, a new study reports.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 6, 2017·3 min read

Learning With Music Can Change Brain Structure

Listening to music while learning a new physical skill can help increase connectivity in the white matter tract linking auditory and motor regions of the brain, a new study reports.

Featured Psychology

·July 5, 2017·5 min read

Marijuana Can Increase a Teenager’s Risk of Psychosis

According to researchers, teens who frequently use marijuana have a 159% increased risk of developing recurrent psychotic-like experiences. The new study also reflects on the effects of cannabis use with cognitive development.