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orbitofrontal cortex

·August 29, 2021·4 min read

The Neuroscience of Why Hugs Feel So Good

Whether you hug to show affection to comfort a loved one in pain, researchers explore the neuroscience of why a cuddle feels so good.

This shows three brain scans, one from an Alzheimer's patient, one from a person with TBI, and one of a healthy aging brain

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 26, 2021·5 min read

Brain Changes Following TBI Share Similarities With Alzheimer’s Disease

Combining brain scan images with machine learning, researchers identified a number of brain changes following TBI that share similarities with Alzheimer's disease. The findings add to the growing body of evidence that the two conditions follow the same trajectories.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 27, 2020·6 min read

Regions of the Brain Where Serotonin Promotes Patience Revealed

A new study reveals specific brain regions that individually promote patience through the action of serotonin.

This cartoon shows a woman decising between two glasses of juice

Featured Neuroscience

·November 2, 2020·5 min read

New Insight Into How Brain Neurons Influence Choices

Neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex play a critical role in encoding subjective values. Activation of these neurons leads directly to the choice of one option over another.

This shows the location of the orbitofrontal cortex

Featured Neuroscience

·September 16, 2020·4 min read

Reprogramming Brain Cells Enables Flexible Decision-Making

Study identifies neurons in command of guiding adaptive behaviors.

This shows a male and female head with brains drawn on

Featured Neuroscience

·July 20, 2020·4 min read

Highly Reproducible Sex Differences in Aspects of Human Brain Anatomy

Analysis of over 2,000 brain scans revealed evidence of highly reproducible sex differences in the volume of different regions of the brain. On average, females had greater cortical volume in the medial and lateral prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, superior temporal cortex, and lateral parietal cortex. Males had increased volume in the ventral temporal and occipital brain regions. Gene expression data suggest the potential role of sex chromosomes that contribute to the differences.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 13, 2020·3 min read

Rats’ Brain Activity Reveals Their Alcohol Preference

Study reveals the role the orbitofrontal cortex plays in individual differences to alcohol preference. The findings shed new light on how some are more prone to alcohol use disorder than others.

This shows a monkey at a computer screen

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 6, 2020·3 min read

Dopamine Neurons Mull Over Your Options

Dopamine neurons in the brain regulate internal processes of economic decision making, evaluating available options, and identifying the most preferable outcome.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 21, 2020·3 min read

How a genetic change increases the risk of schizophrenia

Chromosome 16p11.2 duplication impacts several different inhibitory neuron types that use GABA in brain areas that are dysfunctional in schizophrenia, including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. The chromosome 16p11.2 duplication also resulted in cognitive and social deficits that are symptomatic of schizophrenia.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 9, 2020·5 min read

Aha! + Aaaah: Creative insight triggers a neural reward signal

Neuroimaging study sheds light on what drove the evolutionary development of human creativity.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 5, 2020·5 min read

Previously unappreciated neurotransmitter system in the brain discovered

Researchers have identified a novel neurotransmitter system in the brain. The system signals transmission of innate olfactory information to areas of the brain associated with emotional processing via the TAAR5 receptor. The findings could help in the development of new treatments for depression and schizophrenia.