Neurons responsible for rapid eye movements/REM during sleep identified
Nucleus papilion neurons play an important role in eye movement during REM sleep.... Read More...
optogenetics
Key to learning and forgetting identified in sleeping brain
Using optogenetics to dampen delta waves of rats during sleep resulted in weaker memory reactivation and promoted forgetting. The findings could have significant implications for treating PTSD in humans.... Read More...
How emotion affects action
Researchers have identified a comprehensive circuit mechanism that governs how emotional states can influence movement through connections in the basal ganglia. The mechanism represents a way in which emotional states relate to changes in action control in depression, anxiety, and OCD.... Read More...
Negative memory storage affects depression symptoms
Enhanced reactivation of negative memory engrams may be an important cellular mechanism behind the cognitive symptoms of depression.... Read More...
The new field of sonogenetics uses sound waves to control the behavior of brain cells
A new technology known as sonogenetics can control neural activity by using sound frequencies. The technology could be used to non-invasively treat a range of neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.... Read More...
Scientists can now manipulate brain cells using smartphone
A soft neural implant that can be controlled by a smartphone is capable of drug delivery and optogenetics. The technology could speed up efforts to uncover the causes of neurological and psychological disorders.... Read More...
Hypothalamus pathway drives defense behaviors
A newly discovered pathway that links the hypothalamus and midbrain drives innate defense behaviors. The findings could have implications for developing therapies for anxiety disorders.... Read More...
Stimulating neurons to induce particular perceptions in mice’s minds
Using optogenetics, researchers stimulated neurons in the visual cortex of mice to induce illusory images in the animals' minds.... Read More...
Researchers controlled the behavior in a mouse’s brain with single-cell precision
Using holographic optogenetics, researchers were able to control visual behavior in mice by activating neurons in the visual cortex.... Read More...
Settling the debate on serotonin’s role in sleep
Serotonin produced by the raphe is critical for sleep in both mice and zebrafish. The firing of neurons in the raphe and the release of serotonin may help the brain build up better sleep pressure. The results may explain why some sleep-related side effects of antidepressants increase serotonin in the brain.... Read More...
Researchers identify hidden brain signals behind working memory
Artificially prolonging hippocampal sharp wave ripples improves working memory.... Read More...
Proof it’s possible to enhance or suppress memories
Using optogenetics to stimulate different areas of the hippocampus has the ability to enhance or suppress memories in mice. The findings could have implications for suppressing memories associated with traumatic events in PTSD, and also in enhancing cognitive ability or improving memory for those with neurodegenerative diseases, in the future. ... Read More...