optogenetics Archives - Neuroscience News

This shows AAN activation in the supraoptic nucleus

General anesthesia hijacks sleep circuitry to knock you out

Neuroscience NewsApril 18, 2019

Study reveals anesthesia activated neurons have been discovered in the hypothalamus. Activation of AANs promotes slow-wave sleep, extending the effects of anesthesia, while inhibition of AANs shortens the duration of general anesthetics and disrupts natural sleep.... Read More...

FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience5 min read

This shows the motor and sensory areas of the brain

New role for sensory signals in the brain

Neuroscience NewsApril 11, 2019

Optogenetic stimulation causes signals in the sensory cortex to halt actions during a behavioral task, while altering signals in the motor cortex to cause mice to act more impulsively. ... Read More...

FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles4 min read

This shows the outline of a head and a light bulb

Shining lasers on mouse brains sheds light on cells central to Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia

Neuroscience NewsApril 11, 2019

Optogenetic stimulation of parvalbumin cells resulted in a reduction of local blood flow and volume. The findings could shed new light on the neurobiological underpinnings of Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.... Read More...

FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePsychology4 min read

This shows the chemical structure of dopamine

Dopamine conducts prefrontal cortex ensembles

Neuroscience NewsApril 2, 2019

Dopamine activation controls the ensemble activity of neurons and increases oscillatory activity in the prefrontal cortex.... Read More...

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This shows the location of the hippocampus

How the brain fights off fears that return to haunt us

Neuroscience NewsApril 1, 2019

Newly identified 'extinction neurons' in the hippocampus suppress fearful memories when activated, and allow the memories to return when deactivated. The findings may provide new treatment avenues for PTSD, phobias, and anxiety.... Read More...

FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology5 min read

A bullhorn and the word attention are shown

How Attention Helps the Brain Perceive an Object

Neuroscience NewsMarch 19, 2019

Low-frequency optogenetic stimulation of the visual region of the brain impairs an animal's ability to make fine sensory discriminations. ... Read More...

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Scientists hunt down the brain circuit responsible for alcohol cravings

Neuroscience NewsMarch 18, 2019

Optogenetic inactivation of CRF neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala decreases escalation of alcohol consumption and intensity of withdrawal in rodent models of alcoholism. The findings suggest a potential target for treating excessive drinking in alcohol use disorder.... Read More...

FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles6 min read

Altered Brain Activity Patterns of Parkinson’s Captured in Mice

Neuroscience NewsFebruary 19, 2019

Researchers have pinpointed how brain activity changes in mouse models of Parkinson's disease, providing clues as to what may drive symptoms of the disease in humans. ... Read More...

FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience VideosOpen Neuroscience Articles6 min read

Brain Pathways of Aversion Identified

Neuroscience NewsFebruary 14, 2019

Researchers have identified a specific pathway between the hypothalamus and habenula that controls feelings of aversion. ... Read More...

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Pinpointing Cells That Control the Brain’s Memory Flow

Neuroscience NewsJanuary 31, 2019

A new mouse study reveals a small cluster of interneurons in the hippocampus help the brain remember the places that matter the most. The findings could have implications for future studies of psychiatric disorders.... Read More...

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Erasing Memories Associated with Cocaine Use Reduces Drug Seeking Behavior

Neuroscience NewsJanuary 22, 2019

Disrupting memories associated with environmental cues significantly reduces cocaine seeking behaviors in rat models of addiction, a new study reports. ... Read More...

FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology5 min read

Synaptic Logic for Connections Between Two Brain Hemispheres Discovered

Neuroscience NewsJanuary 18, 2019

Researchers have developed a new technique that helps identify the functional properties of individual synapses that link the two hemispheres of the brain.... Read More...

FeaturedNeuroscience7 min read

News

Marijuana users weigh less, defying the munchies

Metabolite may play a role in nicotine addiction

Neuroscience

Marijuana users weigh less, defying the munchies

Metabolite may play a role in nicotine addiction

Neurology

Skin discovery may help explain why women get autoimmune diseases far more often than men

Blood pressure drug shows promise for treating Parkinson’s and dementia in animal study

General anesthesia hijacks sleep circuitry to knock you out

AI

Artificial intelligence singles out neurons faster than a human can

Heads in the cloud: Scientists predict internet of thoughts ‘within decades’

Robotics

Heads in the cloud: Scientists predict internet of thoughts ‘within decades’

Robots created with 3D printers could be caring for those in golden years

Robots to autocomplete soldier tasks

Psychology

Metabolite may play a role in nicotine addiction

High-risk genes for schizophrenia discovered

optogenetics

General anesthesia hijacks sleep circuitry to knock you out

New role for sensory signals in the brain

Shining lasers on mouse brains sheds light on cells central to Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia

Dopamine conducts prefrontal cortex ensembles

How the brain fights off fears that return to haunt us

How Attention Helps the Brain Perceive an Object

Scientists hunt down the brain circuit responsible for alcohol cravings

Altered Brain Activity Patterns of Parkinson’s Captured in Mice

Brain Pathways of Aversion Identified

Pinpointing Cells That Control the Brain’s Memory Flow

Erasing Memories Associated with Cocaine Use Reduces Drug Seeking Behavior

Synaptic Logic for Connections Between Two Brain Hemispheres Discovered