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optogenetics

This shows the chemical structure of dopamine

·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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 12, 2018·5 min read

To Flee or Not to Flee: How the Brain Decides What to Do in the Face of Danger

Researchers have identified the variables that lead the brain to apply specific defensive strategies while under the threat of danger, and implicate a specific pair of neurons in this process.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 7, 2017·6 min read

Brain Circuit Necessary For Memory Formation Identified

Long-term memories remain 'silent' for about 2 weeks before reaching a mature state, a new study reports.

Image shows cMPOA Neurons Activated by Light Stimulation.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 30, 2015·4 min read

Turning Off Infanticide Instincts in Bachelor Animals

Researchers have discovered two small brain regions in mice that control whether the animal will commit infanticide or will take on an attentive paternal role.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 24, 2019·5 min read

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.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 29, 2018·4 min read

Neural Implants Modulate Microstructures in the Brain with Pinpoint Accuracy

Researchers have developed new neural implants that enable targeted delivery of drugs deep into brain structures.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·February 26, 2018·5 min read

Seeing the Brain’s Electrical Activity

A new optogenetics approach allows the imaging of neurotransmission without the use of electrode, researchers report.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 28, 2018·4 min read

How the Brain Enables Us to Rapidly Focus Attention

Researchers have identified a mechanism within the cholinergic system that underlies our ability to rapidly focus attention.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 4, 2016·4 min read

Neural Pathway Responsible for Opioid Withdrawal Discovered

Using optogenetics to manipulate the brains of opioid addicted mice, researchers discover a neural pathway that appears to be responsible for symptoms of withdrawal.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 13, 2018·2 min read

Brain Circuits that Trigger Fear Relapse Identified

Researchers report connections between the hippocampus and a specific type of neuron in the prefrontal cortex are involved in fear relapse. The findings could help in the development of new treatments for PTSD.