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neurobiology

This shows the outline of a woman and a brain.

·September 21, 2024·5 min read

Pregnancy Dramatically Reshapes the Brain

A new study provides the first detailed map of brain changes during pregnancy, showing significant neuroplasticity in adults. Researchers found a decrease in gray matter volume and a temporary increase in white matter in a pregnant brain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 12, 2024·4 min read

AI Conversations Help Conspiracy Theorists Change Their Views

AI-powered conversations can reduce belief in conspiracy theories by 20%. Researchers found that AI provided tailored, fact-based rebuttals to participants' conspiracy claims, leading to a lasting change in their beliefs. In one out of four cases, participants disavowed the conspiracy entirely. The study suggests that AI has the potential to combat misinformation by engaging people directly and personally.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 12, 2024·4 min read

High Doses of ADHD Meds Linked to Increased Psychosis Risk

Adults taking high doses of amphetamine-based medications for ADHD, such as Adderall, face a five-fold increased risk of developing psychosis or mania. The risk was highest for those taking 30 mg or more of dextroamphetamine, with 81% of psychosis or mania cases potentially avoidable by lowering the dose.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 12, 2024·5 min read

Key Neurons Found to Predict Memory of People and Places

Researchers have identified specific brain cells, known as concept neurons and location cells, that predict whether we will successfully remember people and places. These neurons in the medial temporal lobe and parahippocampal cortex become active during memory formation, responding to specific images and locations.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 11, 2024·9 min read

Neural Circuitry Behind Social Group Preferences Discovered

Scientists have identified the brain circuitry that drives spiny mice to prefer larger social groups. The study shows that neural signaling from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) to the lateral septum (LS) promotes social group-size preference. When this circuit was turned off, male mice preferred smaller groups, while female mice showed no preference. This research opens up new models for studying complex social behaviors and may provide insights into human social interactions.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 11, 2024·3 min read

Human-Dog Brain Activity Syncs During Bonding

During social interactions, human and dog brain activity becomes synchronized, with mutual gazing and petting enhancing this connection. Over five days, synchronization between human-dog pairs increased with familiarity, suggesting a leader-follower dynamic, where humans lead and dogs follow.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 11, 2024·5 min read

How the Brain Turns Sensory Input Into Action

Neuroscientists have uncovered how sensory input is transformed into motor action across multiple brain regions in mice. The study shows that decision-making is a distributed process across the brain, where neurons link sensory evidence to actions.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 10, 2024·5 min read

Chemical Exposure May Lead to Early Puberty in Girls

New research reveals that girls exposed to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may experience early puberty, which is linked to various health risks. These chemicals, including musk ambrette found in personal care products, can stimulate key receptors in the brain that control puberty.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·September 10, 2024·5 min read

How Flickering Light Induces Hallucinations

A new study reveals how flickering lights can trigger hallucinations by causing standing waves in the brain's visual cortex. Researchers observed that high-frequency flickering lights create ripple-like waves of neural activity, which turn into standing waves at higher frequencies.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 10, 2024·6 min read

AI Determines How the Brain Predicts and Processes Thoughts

Summary: A new study using artificial intelligence has provided novel insights into how the brain predicts future events and processes...

This shows a drawing of a head and pencils.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 10, 2024·6 min read

Varied Cognitive Training Boosts Learning and Memory

New research shows that varied cognitive training, rather than repetitive tasks, helps older adults improve working memory. Participants who engaged in multiple types of memory exercises saw the greatest improvement compared to those who repeated the same task.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·September 9, 2024·4 min read

Gene Therapy Offers Hope for Glaucoma and AMD

A newly developed gene therapy shows great potential for treating glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss. The therapy protects retinal ganglion cells, essential for vision, and improves their function in animal models of glaucoma. It also enhances energy production in human retinal cells, which could prevent further damage. This therapy offers a new and promising approach to treating a condition that affects millions worldwide.