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norepinephrine

·May 16, 2025·4 min read

Astrocytes, Not Neurons, Drive Brain’s Attention and Alertness

For nearly a century, scientists believed that neuromodulators like norepinephrine adjusted brain communication by acting directly on neurons. A new study overturns this long-held view, revealing that astrocytes—support cells long considered secondary—are the key intermediaries.

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Featured Neuroscience

·November 1, 2022·3 min read

How Gut Bacteria Influence the Effects of Cocaine in Mice

Cocaine use supports the growth of γ-proteobacteria, a common gut bacteria that consume glycine. As glycine levels become depleted mouse models exhibit a higher response to cocaine with abnormal behaviors including increased drug-induced locomotion and drug-seeking behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 30, 2022·2 min read

Why the Memory of Fear Is Seared Into Our Brains

Norepinephrine facilitates fear processing by stimulating a population of inhibitory neurons in the amygdala, generating repetitive bursting patterns of electrical activity. This activity changes the frequency of oscillations in the amygdala from resting state to aroused state, promoting the formation of fear memories.

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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Visual Neuroscience

·December 18, 2021·3 min read

Visuals Increase Attention; Now Science Explains Why

Norepinephrine is locally regulated in the visual cortex. More norepinephrine is released when and where visual information is processed.

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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 23, 2021·5 min read

Neuroscientists Posit That Brain Region Is a Key Locus of Learning

A new study reveals the role the locus coeruleus plays in learning, behavior, and mental health.

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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·December 2, 2020·3 min read

Drinking Blocks a Chemical That Promotes Attention

Study sheds light on the brain chemistry involved in attention loss when a person drinks alcohol.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 16, 2020·3 min read

Parasite Infection Discovery Could Assist Mental Health Treatments

Behavioral changes in those with T.gondii infection could be linked to lower levels of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine also controls inflammation. Both neuroinflammation and norepinephrine are associated with a range of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and ADHD.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 11, 2020·5 min read

Researchers achieve remote control of hormone release

Using magnetic nanoparticles, researchers were able to stimulate the adrenal glands of rodents and control the release of stress-related hormones. The approach could be applied to humans to treat hormone-related disorders.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·January 22, 2020·5 min read

How stress causes gray hair

Study reveals a link between the nervous system and stem cells that regenerate pigment in hair follicles. When stressed, norepinephrine from the sympathetic nervous system causes melanocyte stem cells to activate excessively. The stem cells all convert into pigment-producing cells, prematurely depleting the reservoir. The findings explain the cellular and molecular links between stress and premature hair graying.