A to Z

serotonin

The image shows two soldiers performing a computer test,

·February 13, 2013·3 min read

Gene Associated with High Anxiety Can Have Protective Effect on the Battlefield

Through a combination of genetic and psychological testing, researchers have identified factors that mitigate against PTSD. In combat, soldiers who avoided threats were more likely to develop PTSD as a result of traumatic experiences, the study found.

This image of 'bath salts' is credited to the DEA.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 10, 2013·4 min read

‘Bath Salts’ Stimulant Could Be More Addictive than Meth

A new study confirms MDPV, a recreational drug commonly known as "bath salts", could be more addictive than methamphetamine.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 23, 2020·4 min read

A biological mechanism for depression

People with depression have increased amounts of tubulin in lipid rafts compared to those without the disorder.

This shows a model of the melotonin receptors

Featured Neuroscience

·April 24, 2019·7 min read

A good night’s sleep may be in sight: New 3D models of melatonin receptors shed light on sleep disorders

Researchers have created new 3D maps of two melatonin receptors. The models can be used to help develop new treatments that not only improve sleep, but may also treat a variety of other conditions from diabetes to cancer.

The image shows a zebrafish with optical fiber coming out of its head.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 20, 2014·3 min read

A Neural Basis for Avoiding Threats

Using optogenetics, researchers identify a neural pathway which makes helps make learning to avoid unpleasant situations possible.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 20, 2018·3 min read

A Peek Into the Interplay Between Sleep and Wakefulness

Researchers have identified novel neural pathways that help regulate sleep and wakefulness.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 28, 2021·4 min read

A Psychedelic-Like Drug Without the Hallucinogenic Side Effects

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.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 2, 2016·4 min read

A Radiation-Free Approach to Imaging Molecules in the Brain

Researchers have developed a new probe that can induce blood flow changes that allows for neuroimaging without the use of radioactive labels.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 7, 2022·4 min read

Abnormal Activity of Brain Circuit Causes Anorexia

Hyperactivity in a serotonin-dopamine circuit in the brain appears to be responsible for persistent anorexia in animal models. The DRD1 receptor appears to drive the hyperactivity. Deleting the DRD1 gene restored normal eating behaviors in animals.

Ball-and-stick model of the serotonin molecule.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 28, 2015·3 min read

Absence of Serotonin Alters Function and Development of Brain Circuits

A new study describes the role serotonin plays in brain development.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 28, 2019·5 min read

Ack! I need chocolate! The science of PMS food cravings

From comfort eating to hormonal levels contributing to a desire for sweets, many studies have investigated why women with PMS often crave certain foods. Researchers explore why food cravings may occur, and what can be done to suppress them for women with premenstrual syndrome.