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optogenetics

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 23, 2019·6 min read

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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·May 16, 2019·2 min read

The insular cortex processes, and drives learning from pain

Using optogenetics to 'switch off' the insular cortex in mice experiencing a painful event resulted in a less fearful reaction to pain. The ability of the mice to learn avoidance from the pain event was also reduced.

This shows the network from the gustatory thalamus to the cortex in mice

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 7, 2019·3 min read

Neurons that encode sweetness identified: Mouse study

SatB2PBN-expressing neurons in the parabrachial nucleus play a key role in processing and encoding sweet tastes. The SatB2PBN neurons relay sweet taste signals from the gustatory thalamus to the cortex in mouse models.

This shows AAN activation in the supraoptic nucleus

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 18, 2019·4 min read

General anesthesia hijacks sleep circuitry to knock you out

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.

This shows the motor and sensory areas of the brain

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 11, 2019·3 min read

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.

This shows the outline of a head and a light bulb

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·April 11, 2019·3 min read

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.

This shows the chemical structure of dopamine

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 2, 2019·3 min read

Dopamine conducts prefrontal cortex ensembles

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

This shows the location of the hippocampus

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 1, 2019·4 min read

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.

A bullhorn and the word attention are shown

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Visual Neuroscience

·March 19, 2019·3 min read

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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 18, 2019·5 min read

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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Videos Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 19, 2019·5 min read

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.