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Schizophrenia

The diagram shows the experimental set up.

·June 17, 2013·3 min read

Mice in a “Big Brother” Setup Develop Social Structures

A new study which developed a system designed to observe different strains of mice living together in a 'Big Brother house' pen and with no human intervention, provides some unusual insights into social behavior which enables social hierarchy.

The image shows the areas of the brain affected by schizophrenia.

Featured Psychology

·June 17, 2013·2 min read

Psychiatric Disorders Linked to a Protein Involved in the Formation of Long-Term Memories

Researchers have discovered a neural pathway in which the brain controls a specific molecule, connected to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia which is also critical to the formation of long term memory.

This illustration shows an open skull exposing the brain of a sleeping man.

Featured Psychology

·June 13, 2013·3 min read

Sleep Mechanism Identified That Plays Role in Emotional Memory

Researchers identify the sleep mechanism which enables the brain to consolidate emotional memory. Additionally, they discovered a popular sleep medication heightens the response to and recollection of negative memories.

The image is an illustration of an activated NMDA receptor.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 7, 2013·2 min read

Neurochemical Traffic Signals May Open New Avenues for the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Researchers uncover clues about the biochemical pathway in the brain which could expand treatment options for schizophrenia.

The image shows human neuronal stem cells. The caption best describes the image.

Electrophysiology Featured Genetics

·June 6, 2013·4 min read

Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia & Autism Can Be Studied with Brain Cells Reprogrammed from Skin Cells

A new method for obtaining mature neuronal cells from reprogrammed skin cells allows researchers to safely and effectively study diseases such as schizophrenia and autism.

The image shows a human head with a dna double helix inside.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 6, 2013·4 min read

Researchers Discover How Brain Circuits Can Become Miswired During Development

Researchers have uncovered a mechanism which guides the wiring of neural circuits in a developing brain.

The image shows MRI brain scans of adults exposed to lead as children.

Featured Psychology

·May 31, 2013·4 min read

Lead Acts to Trigger Schizophrenia

Genetically engineered mice with a human gene for schizophrenia and who were exposed to lead early in life, exhibited behavioral and structural changes in the brain consistent with schizophrenia. Researchers believe their findings show a synergistic effect between lead exposure and the schizophrenia gene.

The image shows neurons in a subsection of the adult rat hippocampus. The caption best describes the image.

Electrophysiology Featured

·May 30, 2013·4 min read

Ketamine Cousin Rapidly Lifts Depression Without Side Effects

A new study funded by the NIMH suggests GLYX-13, a molecular cousin to ketamine, induces similar antidepressant results without the negative side effects of the well known street drug.

the image is a brain of MRI scan data for child onset schizophrenia showing areas of brain growth and loss of tissue.

Featured Genetics

·May 22, 2013·4 min read

Researchers Eliminate Schizophrenia Symptoms in Animal Model

When elevated levels of neuregulin-1, a gene associated with schizophrenia, are returned to normal, the symptoms of the illness disappear.

The image shows the brain activation in children with a family history of schizophrenia, who are themselves at greater risk for developing schizophrenia.

Featured Psychology

·March 22, 2013·3 min read

Alterations in Brain Activity in Children at Risk of Schizophrenia Predate Onset of Symptoms

A new study reveals neural circuitry is hyperactivated by performing certain tasks for children with a family history of schizophrenia, compare to peers without this family history. As the differences in brain function appear prior to the onset of psychiatric symptoms, researchers believe the findings could point to vulnerability markers for schizophrenia.

The image shows a participant undergoing an eye tracking experiment.

Featured Psychology

·February 18, 2013·2 min read

Eye Movements Reveal Impaired Reading in Schizophrenia

A new study which looked at eye movement in patients with Schizophrenia provides evidence of difficulties in reading fluency. The findings could help to provide early identification of the mental illness for some individuals.

Corticogenesis with six cortical layers is shown.

Autism Featured Genetics Neurology

·February 11, 2013·3 min read

Genes for Autism and Schizophrenia Only Active in Developing Brains

Genes linked to autism and schizophrenia are only switched on during the early stages of brain development, according to a study in mice led by researchers at the University of Oxford.