optogenetics

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optogenetics

·May 2, 2020·3 min read

Neural circuit that drives physical responses to emotional stress discovered

Researchers have identified a brain circuit that drives physical response to emotional stress. The circuit begins in the dorsal peduncular cortex and dorsal tenia tecta, before sending signals to the hypothalamus. The findings could help with the development of treatments for panic disorders and PTSD.

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·April 29, 2020·5 min read

Implant-free optogenetics minimizes brain damage during neuronal stimulation

Researchers genetically engineered neurons to produce a newly developed, light-sensitive protein called SOUL. They then used optogenetic technology to shine a light through the skull and alter neural responses through an entire mouse brain.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Neurotech

·April 27, 2020·6 min read

Light-based deep brain stimulation relieves symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Researchers use optogenetic based deep brain stimulation to help treat motor dysfunction in animal models of Parkinson's disease. The new technique provides insights into why DBS works and ways in which it can be improved on a patient-by-patient basis.

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·April 7, 2020·4 min read

How serotonin balances communication within the brain

Study reveals how serotonin plays a key role in the scaling of current sensory input and outgoing brain signals.

This shows the outline of a head and a city scape

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·April 6, 2020·5 min read

Memory cells that help us interpret new situations identified

Hippocampal neurons that store abstract memories of prior experiences activate when new, but similar events take place.

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·March 11, 2020·2 min read

JNK protein triggers neurons to withdraw their synapses when stressed

Using optogenetics to inhibit the JNK protein prevented synapses from shrinking in response to stress.

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·February 27, 2020·5 min read

How the brain forms habits

As the brain starts to develop new habits, activity in the dorsolateral striatum increases. As the activity bursts increase, the habit becomes stronger. Inhibiting neural activity with optogenetics reduces habit behaviors in mice.

This shows the chemical structure of dopamine

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·February 5, 2020·3 min read

Novelty speeds up learning thanks to dopamine activation

Novelty directly activates the dopamine system and enhances associative learning. The findings have implications for the development of new machine learning technologies and educational strategies.

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·December 20, 2019·3 min read

Neurons responsible for rapid eye movements/REM during sleep identified

Nucleus papilion neurons play an important role in eye movement during REM sleep.

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·October 3, 2019·6 min read

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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 13, 2019·4 min read

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.