Making Moves and Memories: Are They Connected?
Researchers have identified a new role for the cerebellum. Rather than just helping to control muscle activity, the cerebellum may also play a critical role in cognitive functions. ... Read More...
prefrontal cortex
Adolescent Cannabis Use Alters Development of Planning and Self Control Brain Areas
Researchers report adolescent cannabis use alters the structural development of the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that helps control higher cognitive functions.... Read More...
How Binge Drinking and Stress Affect Males and Females Differently: Mouse Study
A new study reveals a history of binge drinking leads to more instances of drinking under stress and when anxious in males, but not in females.... Read More...
How Cognitive Development Shapes Attitudes About Physical Activity
Researchers report the reason many shun away from physical activity as adults may be rooted in childhood experience. The study reveals negative memories associated with PE classes during childhood may generate negative response to participating in exercise as adults.... Read More...
Binge Drinking and Blackouts: The Sobering Truth About Lost Learning in Students
A new study reports on how binge drinking and alcohol related blackouts can have a dramatic impact on students' learning and memory. Researchers also consider the impact of drinking too much on social behaviors.... Read More...
New Brain Process Responsible for Long Term Stress Identified
Researchers have identified a new neural mechanism that contributes to long term stress and PTSD. The study reports the mechanism is mediated by brain fluid in areas associated with stress response.... Read More...
Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis Impacts Sociability in Male Offspring Only
A new study reveals prenatal cannabis exposure can cause behavioral and neural deficits in male offspring. Researchers say male rats exposed to marijuana in virto were less sociable than normal animals.... Read More...
How the Brain Forgets on Purpose
Researchers implicate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in in our ability to actively forget a memory. ... Read More...
Cannabidiol Shows Sustained Effects Against Depression for Seven Days: Rat Study
A study using rat models of depression reveals a single dose of the cannabis extract CBD can help to reduce symptoms of depression for up to one week. Researchers say cannabidiol appears to activate mechanisms that help repair neural circuitry in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which get damaged as a result of depression.... Read More...
How the Brain and Personality Provide Protection Against Emotional Distress
A new study reports personality traits can help protect an individual's brain against symptoms of emotional distress, such as anxiety and depression.... Read More...
The Link Between Obesity, Genetics and the Brain
A new study sheds light on the roles both genetics and neuroanatomy play in obesity. Researchers report those with higher BMI had reduced cognitive flexibility, reduced ability to delay gratification and worse verbal memory. Additionally, those with increased BMI have increased amygdala and left prefrontal cortex volume.... Read More...
‘Compulsivity Circuit’ in Heavy Drinkers Identified
Researchers identify a driving network for compulsivity in those with alcohol use disorders. The study reports heavy drinkers have more activity in the prefronal cortex, insular and striatum, areas of the brain critical for reward and decision making.... Read More...