New role for sensory signals in the brain
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...
optogenetics
Shining lasers on mouse brains sheds light on cells central to Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia
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...
Dopamine conducts prefrontal cortex ensembles
Dopamine activation controls the ensemble activity of neurons and increases oscillatory activity in the prefrontal cortex.... Read More...
How the brain fights off fears that return to haunt us
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...
How Attention Helps the Brain Perceive an Object
Low-frequency optogenetic stimulation of the visual region of the brain impairs an animal's ability to make fine sensory discriminations. ... Read More...
Scientists hunt down the brain circuit responsible for alcohol cravings
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...
Altered Brain Activity Patterns of Parkinson’s Captured in Mice
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...
Brain Pathways of Aversion Identified
Researchers have identified a specific pathway between the hypothalamus and habenula that controls feelings of aversion. ... Read More...
Pinpointing Cells That Control the Brain’s Memory Flow
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...
Erasing Memories Associated with Cocaine Use Reduces Drug Seeking Behavior
Disrupting memories associated with environmental cues significantly reduces cocaine seeking behaviors in rat models of addiction, a new study reports. ... Read More...
Synaptic Logic for Connections Between Two Brain Hemispheres Discovered
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...
Surprising Role of the Cerebellum in Reward and Social Behaviors
Researchers reveal the role the cerebellum plays in helping to control the brain's reward system. The researchers identified a direct connection from the cerebellum to the ventral tegmental area. The study may shed new light on neural networks associated with social dysfunction.... Read More...