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serotonin

·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.

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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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Featured Neuroscience

·May 8, 2024·4 min read

Serotonin Boosts Fertility

Researchers 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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 7, 2024·6 min read

Unlocking Sleep’s Role in Emotional Health

A new study illuminated the mechanisms by which sleep aids in processing emotional memories, crucial for mental health. The research synthesizes over two decades of data to reveal how neurotransmitters like serotonin and noradrenaline, inactive during REM sleep, facilitate the recalibration of emotional experiences.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 6, 2024·6 min read

How the Brain Regulates Emotion

A new study provides a novel understanding how the human brain regulates emotions, distinguishing between emotion generation and regulation. By analyzing fMRI studies, researchers identified specific brain regions, including areas of the anterior prefrontal cortex, that are key to emotion regulation.