Obesity linked with differences in form and structure of the brain
Obesity is associated with alterations in brain structure, including lower gray matter volume and smaller globus pallidus volume.... Read More...
nucleus accumbens
Psychedelic drug MDMA may reawaken ‘critical period’ in brain to help treat PTSD
MDMA, a psychedelic drug, has successfully been used to reopen the 'critical period' of learning the reward values of social behaviors. Researchers report, in mature mice given MDMA, oxytocin triggers signaling in synapses that help encode social learning and memory, a process that does not usually occur in older animals. The findings could help in the development of treatments for PTSD and other disorders.... Read More...
Alcohol-induced brain damage continues after alcohol is stopped
Contrary to popular belief that brain changes begin to normalize immediately after ceasing alcohol consumption, a new study reveals damage to the brain continues during the first weeks of abstinence.... Read More...
Blunting pain’s emotional component
Blocking the release of dynorphin, researchers restore motivation in animals experiencing pain. The findings may help in the development of new, less addictive, pain medications.... Read More...
A Gentle Method For Unlocking the Mysteries of the Deep Brain
Researchers report EEG technology has the ability to study activity of areas deep inside the brain, such as the thalamus and nucleus accumbens. The findings will help shed new light on disorders that affect these brain regions, such as Parkinson's disease and OCD.... Read More...
Manipulating Gene Expression in Neurons with CRISPR
By optimizing neurons with CRISPR gene editing technology, researchers will have new ways to study genetic influences on brain health and disease, a new study reports. ... Read More...
Finding the Elusive Drinking ‘Brake’
Researchers have uncovered a mechanism in the BNST that senses the negative effects of alcohol and modulates the urge to drink. The study reports that when this mechanism doesn't function correctly, we lose the ability to recognize that we have had enough to drink. ... Read More...
The Unexpected Creates Reward When Listening to Music
A new study reports unexpected changes in music activates the nucleus accumbens, providing reward and helping us to learn about the music as we listen. ... Read More...
Brain Cells that Modulate Behavioral Response to Threats Identified
Researchers implicate neurons within the dorsolateral septum in the regulation of fearful behaviors in mice.... Read More...
Sleep Loss Heightens Pain Sensitivity and Dulls Brain’s Painkilling Response
Researchers report sleep deprivation intensifies and prolongs pain. ... Read More...
How Calorie Content Makes You Rethink Food Choices
A neuroimaging study reveals seeing images of food with calorie information alters the way the brain responds to the food, making the item seem less appealing.... Read More...
Your Brain on Imagination: It’s a Lot Like Reality
A new neuroimaging study reveals imagination may help people with fear or anxiety disorders overcome them. The study reports imagining a threat can alter the way it is represented in the brain.... Read More...