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serotonin

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·March 18, 2024·6 min read

Serotonin-Producing Gut Bacteria in Newborns Shields Against Allergies

New research highlights the critical role of unique gut bacteria in newborns, producing serotonin to educate immune cells and prevent allergic reactions early in life. The study reveals that these bacteria encourage the development of T-regulatory cells, crucial for suppressing inappropriate immune responses and preventing autoimmune diseases.

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·February 26, 2024·8 min read

Serotonin and Dopamine Play Key Role in Social Decisions

A new study unveiled the intricate role of dopamine and serotonin in social decision-making, using Parkinson's disease patients as subjects. Through the "ultimatum game," the team discovered that people's choices vary significantly when interacting with humans versus computers, influenced by the dynamic interplay between these neuromodulators.

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·December 7, 2023·6 min read

Serotonin Drop Linked to Memory Decline in Early Alzheimer’s Progression

Researchers discovered a potential link between lower levels of serotonin, the "happiness" chemical, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which could advance our understanding of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Their study indicates that individuals with MCI have significantly reduced serotonin transporter levels, a factor that might contribute to memory problems and potentially AD.

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·September 27, 2023·7 min read

HSN Neuron Unravels Behavior Mysteries

New research delves into the C. elegans worm's HSN neuron, offering insights into the versatility of individual nerve cells in directing behaviors. This neuron manages a spectrum of activities, from instantaneous egg laying to dictating the worm's speed post egg laying.

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·June 15, 2023·4 min read

Sniffing Out the Truth: Astrocytes Serotonin Processing Plays Essential Role in Olfactory Perception

Researchers shed light on the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in olfactory perception or smell detection. The research reveals that during olfactory stimulation, serotonin transporter Slc22a3 in astrocytes mediates serotonin transport into the cells, influencing gene expression.

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·June 13, 2023·5 min read

Unveiling a Cognitive Booster Hidden in a Laxative

A new study has investigated how the laxative prucalopride, known to activate serotonin receptors, affects resting brain activity in healthy adults. The study discovered that those who took prucalopride demonstrated increased functional connectivity between major cognitive networks in their resting-state.

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·May 15, 2023·6 min read

Decoding Serotonin: A Comprehensive Study on Its Impact on Brain and Behavior

Researchers conducted a detailed study on serotonin, a key molecule in influencing mood and behavior, tracing its impact from the molecular level to the brain's overall functioning. Using the simple animal model of C. elegans, the team was able to map serotonin's effects across the entire brain, giving a comprehensive view of its behavioral influence.

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·March 22, 2023·3 min read

Turn Up Your Favorite Song to Improve Medication Efficacy

Listening to music may help boost the beneficial effects of medicine while helping to reduce some of the side effects. Cancer patients who listened to their favorite music while experiencing chemotherapy-related nausea reported a decrease in nausea severity and stress.

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·February 23, 2023·5 min read

Dynamic Expression of Brain Serotonin Receptors Across the Menstrual Cycle Provides Clues About Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Roughly, 3 to 8% of women suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a disorder that causes anxiety, depression, and mood swings during the menstruation cycle. PMDD appears to increase serotonin transporter density from the preovulation phase to the premenstrual cycle phase. The findings could aid in the development of new treatments for PMDD.

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·February 16, 2023·3 min read

Receptor Location Matters for Psychedelic Drug Effects

Location bias may explain how psychedelic medications work. Researchers found that engaging serotonin 2A receptors inside neurons promotes the growth of new connections, but engaging the same receptor on the outside of a neuron does not. The findings may guide the development of new psychoplastogens to treat a range of disorders including depression and PTSD.

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·February 8, 2023·6 min read

Why PTSD Patients Relive Highly Charged Fear Memories in Sleep

In people with PTSD, during REM sleep norepinephrine and serotonin levels remain high, reducing the brain's ability to inhibit fear-expression neurons through neural rhythms sent between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Those with PTSD require higher frequency rhythms to extinguish fear memories. Researchers say unlocking the higher frequencies via therapies could help to restore quality sleep in those with PTSD.

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·January 23, 2023·5 min read

Study Explains Emotional ‘Blunting’ Caused by Common Antidepressants

SSRI antidepressants can make users less sensitive to rewards, resulting in emotional blunting many users experience. The findings provide new evidence for the role serotonin plays in reinforcement learning.