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serotonin

·December 12, 2024·8 min read

Gut Serotonin Plays Role in Depression and Mood

Serotonin in the gut epithelium plays a critical role in modulating mood and may provide a safer target for treating depression and anxiety. In animal studies, increasing gut serotonin improved mood symptoms without causing digestive issues, unlike systemic antidepressant treatments.

This shows a woman and psychedelic swirls.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 3, 2024·4 min read

Psychedelics Reduce Anxiety Without Hallucinations

New 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 28, 2024·5 min read

Serotonin Levels Rise With Reward Anticipation

Serotonin, 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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 23, 2024·4 min read

Gut Microbiome Disruption Linked to Aggression

Disruptions 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 21, 2024·5 min read

Serotonin Receptor Dampens Visual Input to Enhance Internal Processes

The 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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 7, 2024·4 min read

Role of Serotonin Release in Depression Uncovered

Researchers 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.

This shows a woman holding her head in her hands.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 5, 2024·4 min read

Observing Trauma Boosts Resilience Through Serotonin

A 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 28, 2024·5 min read

Serotonin 2C Receptor Key to Memory

Researchers 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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 6, 2024·4 min read

How Antidepressants Treat Major Depression

Researchers 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 31, 2024·5 min read

Activating Brain’s Serotonin Center Alters Behavior and Motivation

Stimulating 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 24, 2024·5 min read

Serotonin Affects Behavior and Motivation

A 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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 8, 2024·5 min read

Psychedelics Activate Serotonin to Produce Antidepressant Effect

A 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.

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serotonin

Gut Serotonin Plays Role in Depression and Mood

Psychedelics Reduce Anxiety Without Hallucinations

Serotonin Levels Rise With Reward Anticipation

Gut Microbiome Disruption Linked to Aggression

Serotonin Receptor Dampens Visual Input to Enhance Internal Processes

Role of Serotonin Release in Depression Uncovered

Observing Trauma Boosts Resilience Through Serotonin

Serotonin 2C Receptor Key to Memory

How Antidepressants Treat Major Depression

Activating Brain’s Serotonin Center Alters Behavior and Motivation

Serotonin Affects Behavior and Motivation

Psychedelics Activate Serotonin to Produce Antidepressant Effect

Side of Parkinson’s Onset Shapes Cognitive and Emotional Decline

Timing of Prozac Treatment Shapes Lasting Mood, Brain Changes

Emotional Neglect in Childhood Undermines Trust in One’s Own Body

Astrocytes in Obesity: Brain Cells That Control Metabolism & Cognition

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