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Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·July 15, 2023·6 min read

Pupil Size Regulated by Orexin, Not Stress Hormones

Researchers have discovered that the neurotransmitter orexin, not the stress hormone noradrenaline, regulates pupil size, challenging prior understanding. Orexin neurons affect pupil size in response to emotional states and mental strain, not just light exposure.

This shows a brain against a sunset looking background

Featured Neuroscience

·January 28, 2021·3 min read

Risk-Taking Linked to Particular Brain Features

Researchers found functional and anatomical differences in the brains of people who are more likely to embark on risky behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 2, 2020·2 min read

Sleep-Deprived Mice Find Cocaine More Rewarding

Mouse study reveals sleep deprivation can increase the risk of cocaine addiction. Too little sleep increases the reward properties of cocaine, researchers report.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 11, 2019·5 min read

Sleeping Though a Fire Alarm: Benzodiazepines Prevent Ability to Wake in Response to Threat

Researchers report popular benzodiazepine sleep medications, such as Ambien and Halcion, caused test subjects to sleep through fire alarm drills. However, a newly developed class of sleeping medications perverse the ability to wake in response to threat.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 26, 2018·4 min read

Key Brain Circuits for Reward Seeking and Avoidance Behavior Identified

Researchers have identified two subpopulations of neurons in the BNST that connect to separate populations of neurons in the lateral hypothalamus which appear to drive two opposing emotional states; avoidance and reward seeking

Featured Neuroscience

·July 20, 2018·3 min read

A Peek Into the Interplay Between Sleep and Wakefulness

Researchers have identified novel neural pathways that help regulate sleep and wakefulness.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 15, 2018·4 min read

How Melatonin Promotes Sleep

According to a new study, melatonin works by suppressing neurons that keep you awake and alert. The findings could pave the way for new treatments for insomnia.

Image shows woman holding her head and wearing a mask.

Featured Neurology Psychology

·June 26, 2017·5 min read

Exposure to Light Causes Emotional and Physical Responses in Migraine Sufferers

A new study reveals a connection between light sensitive nerve cells in the eyes and areas of the brain that regulate mood. The findings may help explain how light can induce some of the negative emotions that often accompany migraines.