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serotonin

This shows a model of the melotonin receptors

·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.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 18, 2019·5 min read

Fish are accumulating certain antidepressants, antibiotics and sun cream components

Antidepressants, such as the SSRI amitriptyline, antibiotics associated with developmental problems and sun cream components are contaminating water, and are being accumulated in fish. Exposure to the medications has effects on the molecular level to the fish. Researchers say this poses a problem as consumption of gilt-head bream is on the rise, and there could be a risk of the contaminants reaching humans via diet.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 5, 2019·4 min read

Research identifies genetic causes of poor sleep

An uncommon variant of the PDE11A gene impacts both quality and duration of sleep. Genetic regions linked to sleep quality are also associated with serotonin production. The study also reveals those with the same hip circumference and a higher waist circumference sleep less, although the effect is small.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·March 22, 2019·4 min read

When neurons are out of shape, antidepressants may not work

Differences in serotonergic neuron morphology, along with altered gene expression have been identified in patients with MDD. The findings shed light on why some patients do not respond to SSRI antidepressants.

This shows Ven Diagrams of how sudden death syndrome may occur

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 21, 2019·3 min read

Researchers point to a common cause in sudden death syndromes

An opinion article reports on a potential common cause for both SIDS and SUDEP. The reason sudden death may occur is due to a person's inability to wake when CO2 levels in the blood rise, as a result of dysfunctional serotonin neurons in the midbrain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·March 14, 2019·5 min read

Serotonin Can Directly Regulate Gene Expression Inside Brain Cells

Serotonin can chemically attach to histone proteins in the cell nucleus to help regulate gene expression. The findings may provide a better understanding of an array of psychological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·February 18, 2019·5 min read

Depression Reversed by Activating Gene That Helps Excite Neurons: Male Mouse Study

Researchers report activating the SIRT1 gene in male mice helped to reverse symptoms of depression, such as social isolation and loss of interest. The study suggests drugs that activate SIRT1 may be an effective therapy for some with major depression.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 14, 2019·3 min read

Brain Pathways of Aversion Identified

Researchers have identified a specific pathway between the hypothalamus and habenula that controls feelings of aversion.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 1, 2019·4 min read

Hyperactive Neurons May Be to Blame When Antidepressants Don’t Work

Researchers shed new light on why some people may not respond to antidepressants for major depressive disorder. The study reports, neurons in the brains of some with MDD may become hyperactive in the presence of SSRIs.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 11, 2019·6 min read

How the Brain Makes Choices

From decision making to action, researchers explore how the brain allows us to make choices.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 2, 2019·3 min read

Why Are People Religious? A Cognitive Perspective

Researchers investigate both the cognitive and neurobiological basis of why so people have religious beliefs.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 20, 2018·5 min read

Gut-Brain Connection Signals Behavioral Alterations While Eating: Worm Study

Researchers have identified neurons in the guts of C. elegans that detect when bacteria are ingested and release a neurotransmitter that signals the brain to halt locomotion.