FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·August 24, 2018·3 min readLink Between Gut Bacteria and Eating For Pleasure DiscoveredA new study reveals a link between elevates microbiome levels of indole and hedonic eating. Researchers report those with higher levels of indole are more likely to have food addiction and overeating disorders.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 8, 2018·7 min readSpecific Brain Circuits Tied to Sociability: Mouse StudyA new study implicates serotonin neurons in the nucleus accumbens with social behavior in mouse models of ASD. When serotonin release was triggered, researchers noted social behaviors normalized.Read More
FeaturedGenetics·July 13, 2018·3 min readMaged1 Gene Protects Against Cocaine AddictionA new study reports mice lacking the Maged1 gene are unable to acquire an addiction to cocaine.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 26, 2018·3 min readHow Your Brain Decides Between Knowledge and IgnoranceResearchers report the brain's reward network could play an influential role in evaluating the opportunity to gain new information, just as it does to evaluate rewards such as food or financial gain.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·June 20, 2018·3 min readWeak Brain Nodes Have Strong Influence on Memory NetworkResearchers report that for memory formation, the nucleus accumbens is both upstream and influential.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·June 18, 2018·6 min readHow the Brain’s “Reward Circuit” Plays a Key Role in Symptoms of Autism Spectrum DisorderA new meta-analysis of neuroimaging data reveals people with ASD process social and nonsocial rewards differently than those without an autism diagnosis.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·April 19, 2018·5 min readConnection Between Dopamine and Behavior Related to Pain and FearUsing optogenetics, researchers have identified a causal association between dopamine and avoidance behavior linked to pain and fear.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 13, 2018·8 min readOvereating? It May be a Brain GlitchResearchers explore the neuroscience behind binge eating and the triggers that might make us reach for comfort foods.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·January 16, 2018·3 min readCannabis Abuse Alters Activity of Brain Regions Linked to Negative EmotionResearchers report brain alterations associated with heightened feelings of negative emotion and alienation in people who have a dependence on cannabis.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·December 19, 2017·7 min readBrain Zap Saps Destructive UrgesDeep brain stimulation to the nucleus accumbens can help prevent impulsive behaviors, researchers report in PNAS.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·December 19, 2017·5 min readCan Brain Lesions Contribute to Criminal Behavior?Researchers report lesions within a brain network involved in moral decision making can contribute to criminal behavior.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·December 8, 2017·5 min readHope for Autism: Optogenetics Shines Light on Social InteractionsOptogenetics helps researchers discover how social behavior and spatial learning are linked in autism.Read More