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nucleus accumbens

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 27, 2019·5 min read

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.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 25, 2019·2 min read

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.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·February 22, 2019·9 min read

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.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 12, 2019·3 min read

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.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 11, 2019·5 min read

Brain Cells that Modulate Behavioral Response to Threats Identified

Researchers implicate neurons within the dorsolateral septum in the regulation of fearful behaviors in mice.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·January 28, 2019·4 min read

Sleep Loss Heightens Pain Sensitivity and Dulls Brain’s Painkilling Response

Researchers report sleep deprivation intensifies and prolongs pain.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·December 21, 2018·4 min read

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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·December 10, 2018·4 min read

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.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 10, 2018·6 min read

Dopamine’s Yin-Yang Personality: It’s an Upper and a Downer

Researchers shed light on the dual nature of dopamine, as a neurotransmitter that makes us seek pleasure and also reinforces avoidance of pain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 27, 2018·4 min read

Clues to Brain Changes in Depression Discovered

A new study sheds light on how the brain processes rewards and provides a deeper understanding on the neurobiology of depression.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·October 30, 2018·4 min read

Dopamine Drives Early Addiction to Heroin

Researchers have identified a significant role dopamine plays in the development of heroin addiction. The study reports dopamine appears to directly cause drug reinforcement and, when dopamine neurons are silenced, mice are less likely to self administer the drug.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·October 20, 2018·4 min read

Researchers Find Brain Signal that May Help Us Navigate the Holiday Buffet

Researchers report they have discovered the region of the brain that registers excitement over a preferred food option. The study reports the findings could help develop new therapies and treatments to potentially combat obesity and encourage healthier eating.