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prefrontal cortex

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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 12, 2021·5 min read

How Spanking May Affect Brain Development in Children

Corporal punishment may detrimentally harm brain development, a new study reports. Previous studies have revealed links between spanking and psychological problems, including depression and anxiety. The new study found children who experienced spanking as a form of punishment demonstrated greater activation in areas of the prefrontal cortex in response to fearful stimuli.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 27, 2021·5 min read

Psychedelic Drugs: How the Brains of Informed Users Are Different

While the effects of hallucinogens to treat mental illnesses are being researched, little is known about the neurobiology of those who dabble in psychedelics for recreational purposes. A new study reports "psychonauts" have distinct behaviors, including taking a scientific approach to documenting their experience with hallucinogens, compared to more recreational users.

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Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·January 19, 2021·4 min read

Childhood Neglect Leaves Generational Imprint

Infant children whose mothers experienced neglect when they were young showed altered brain circuitry in areas associated with anxiety and fear response.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 21, 2020·4 min read

Brain Tissue Yields Clues to Causes of PTSD

Gene expression patterns in four regions of the prefrontal cortex are distinctly different in those who have been diagnosed with PTSD compared to those who have not. Major differences were seen in interneurons, which inhibit the immune system and microglia in the central nervous system. Findings shed light on why women are more likely to experience PTSD and compound a link between post-traumatic stress and a dampening of the immune system.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·December 9, 2020·4 min read

Memory Deficits Resulting From Epigenetic Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease Can Be Reversed

Focusing on gene changes as a result of epigenetic processes, such as aging, researchers were able to reverse elevated levels of harmful genes associated with memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 30, 2020·7 min read

Cortex Over Reflex: Study Traces Circuits Where Executive Control Overcomes Instinct

Anterior cingulate cortex neurons project connections to the superior colliculus. The superior colliculus carries out reflexive movements. The study finds the purpose of the ACC neurons connections to the SC is to over-rider the SC when executive control is essential.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 29, 2020·4 min read

Why Our Obsession With Happy Endings Can Lead to Bad Decisions

Study concludes one reason we may make unwise decisions is our preference for a positive outcome.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 24, 2020·7 min read

Brain Waves Guide Us in Spotlighting Surprises

A dynamic interplay of different brainwave frequencies, not dedicated networks, governs how the brain acts to a novel surprise and downplays predictable stimuli.