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optogenetics

This shows the location of the hippocampus

·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

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·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.

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·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.

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·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.

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·February 14, 2019·3 min read

Brain Pathways of Aversion Identified

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

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·January 31, 2019·5 min read

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.

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·January 22, 2019·4 min read

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.

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·January 18, 2019·6 min read

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.

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·January 17, 2019·7 min read

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.

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·January 11, 2019·6 min read

How the Brain Makes Choices

From decision making to action, researchers explore how the brain allows us to make choices.

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·January 5, 2019·4 min read

Controlling Neurons with Light, But Without Wires or Batteries

Researchers have developed a new, wireless optogenetic device which is able to control neurons in the brain. The device could help turn off pain receptors and reduce the effects of some neurological disorders.