FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 3, 2024·4 min readPsychedelics Reduce Anxiety Without HallucinationsNew research has pinpointed the specific brain region and neuron type responsible for reducing anxiety using the psychedelic drug DOI, without triggering hallucinations. The study revealed that DOI targets serotonin2A receptors on parvalbumin-positive neurons in the ventral hippocampus, decreasing anxiety behaviors in animal models.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 28, 2024·5 min readSerotonin Levels Rise With Reward AnticipationSerotonin, known as the "happiness molecule," increases in anticipation of a reward and scales with the value of that reward. Using a biosensor called GRAB-serotonin, researchers measured serotonin in real time in mice as they received treats.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 23, 2024·4 min readGut Microbiome Disruption Linked to AggressionDisruptions in the gut microbiome, especially due to early-life antibiotic use, lead to increased aggression in mice. Researchers transplanted microbiomes from infants exposed to antibiotics into mice and found a clear connection between altered gut bacteria and aggressive behavior.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 21, 2024·5 min readSerotonin Receptor Dampens Visual Input to Enhance Internal ProcessesThe 5-HT2A receptor in the brain reduces incoming visual information, allowing more space for internal thought processes. Researchers found that this receptor, when overactivated, suppresses sensory input, potentially explaining the effects of hallucinations from drugs like LSD.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 7, 2024·4 min readRole of Serotonin Release in Depression UncoveredResearchers developed a highly selective fluorescent probe to image serotonin in cells and animal models, shedding light on its role in depression. The study revealed that while serotonin levels in normal and “depressed” cells are similar, depressive cells release significantly less serotonin.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 5, 2024·4 min readObserving Trauma Boosts Resilience Through SerotoninA new study reveals that observing others endure trauma can increase resilience and protect against depression. Researchers found that serotonin, released in the brain's habenula, plays a key role in this process, enhancing resilience by altering neuronal activity.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·June 28, 2024·5 min readSerotonin 2C Receptor Key to MemoryResearchers discovered the serotonin 2C receptor in the brain plays a crucial role in regulating memory in both humans and animal models. This breakthrough offers insights into conditions associated with memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and suggests new treatment pathways.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 6, 2024·4 min readHow Antidepressants Treat Major DepressionResearchers have developed a new framework explaining how antidepressants, like SSRIs, treat major depressive disorder (MDD) by restoring brain connectivity rather than correcting a serotonin imbalance. Their findings emphasize the continued importance of these medications despite shifting public opinion. This new understanding could improve patient-clinician conversations about depression treatment.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 31, 2024·5 min readActivating Brain’s Serotonin Center Alters Behavior and MotivationStimulating the brain's serotonin center, the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), activates areas responsible for behavior and motivation. This discovery, using opto-functional MRI in awake mice, highlights serotonin's significant role in cognitive functions. The study offers insights into how serotonin influences behavior and mood regulation.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 24, 2024·5 min readSerotonin Affects Behavior and MotivationA new study reveals how activating the brain's serotonin center affects behavior and motivation in awake mice. Using optogenetics and high-field MRI, researchers found that stimulating serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) activates the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia, critical areas for cognitive functions.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 8, 2024·5 min readPsychedelics Activate Serotonin to Produce Antidepressant EffectA new study advanced our understanding of how psychedelic drugs activate serotonin receptors to offer potential treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders. The identifies the interaction of psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin with the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A, which is pivotal in their therapeutic effects.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 8, 2024·4 min readSerotonin Boosts FertilityResearchers uncovered a crucial link between glucose levels, serotonin signaling, and fertility. By studying rats and goats, the team discovered that increased glucose availability stimulates serotonergic neurons, enhancing the release of reproductive hormones via the activation of kisspeptin neurons.Read More
