PsychLight, a newly developed genetically encoded fluorescent sensor, helped researchers identify a psychedelic compound that acts on beneficial neural pathways to treat psychiatric disorders without the hallucinogenic effect. Read More
A recent study found 42% of participants gained, on average, 29 lb of unwanted weight during the pandemic, with people gaining 1.5lb per month. Researchers say a combination of stress, hormones, and dwindling motivation to exercise during the lockdowns may be to blame. Read More
Study identifies a novel mechanism in which the lateral habenula regulates the cardiovascular system in response to stress. Read More
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. Read More
Airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma induced by methacholine is partly due to mast cells, a new study reports. Read More
SSRI's, ketamine, and tricyclic antidepressants all bind with TrkB. The findings challenge the roles serotonin and glutamate receptors play in the effects of antidepressant medications. Read More
LSD increases social behaviors by activating 5-HTPA serotonin receptors and AMPA receptors in the prefrontal cortex, and the mTORC1 protein. Activating all three factors promoted social interactions. The findings suggest supervised LSD microdosing may help alleviate some of the social problems associated with ASD and other mental health disorders that impact social behaviors. Read More
Artificial intelligence technology redesigned a bacterial protein that helps researchers track serotonin in the brain in real time. Read More
Researchers investigate how laughter improves both mental and physical well-being. Read More
Normal sleep in mice is reliant upon bacteria that help produce neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, in the gut. Read More
A new study reveals specific brain regions that individually promote patience through the action of serotonin. Read More
Study reveals a new role for serotonin in the development of the human neocortex. Serotonin acts cell-extrinsically as a growth factor for basal progenitors in the developing neocortex. Researchers report placenta-driven serotonin likely contributed to the evolutionary expansion of the neocortex in humans. Read More
