FeaturedNeuroscience·August 21, 2018‘Compulsivity Circuit’ in Heavy Drinkers IdentifiedResearchers identify a driving network for compulsivity in those with alcohol use disorders. The study reports heavy drinkers have more activity in the prefronal cortex, insular and striatum, areas of the brain critical for reward and decision making. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·April 17, 2018‘Striosome’ Neurons in the Basal Ganglia Play Key Role in LearningA new study sheds light on the role striosomal neurons play in reinforcement learning. Read More
FeaturedPsychology·October 16, 2015A Day Time Nap and Reward Boosts LearningA new study reports receiving a reward as you learn can help consolidate the new facts in your memory, especially if combined with a short nap. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·December 27, 2019A molecular map of the brain’s decision-making areaUsing RNA sequencing, researchers have created a spatiomolecular map of the striatum, an area of the brain implicated in decision making and addiction. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·July 26, 2018A New Model For How Brain Reward Response May Impact AnorexiaResearchers report the brain's response to taste stimuli is linked to higher anxiety and a drive for thinness in those with anorexia. Read More
FeaturedGenetics·June 5, 2015Ability to Learn New Language is in Your GenesAccording to a new study, a genetic variation in the FOXP2 gene is associated with the ability for adults to learn new languages. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience VideosOpen Neuroscience Articles·February 19, 2019Altered Brain Activity Patterns of Parkinson’s Captured in MiceResearchers have pinpointed how brain activity changes in mouse models of Parkinson's disease, providing clues as to what may drive symptoms of the disease in humans. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurology·January 5, 2015Animal Study Points to a Treatment for Huntington’s DiseaseResearchers improve motor function and reduce brain shrinkage in animal models of HD by adjusting the levels of a signaling protein. Read More
FeaturedNeurologypain·August 24, 2015Antidepressants Reduce Neuropathic Pain by Altering Signaling Protein Levels in Nucleus AccumbensResearchers believe the newly understood mechanism could yield insights into more precise future treatments for nerve pain and depression. Read More
FeaturedOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·September 19, 2017Behavioral Therapy Increases Connectivity in Brains of People with OCDA neuroimaging study reveals people with OCD who receive daily cognitive behavioral therapy to help curb their compulsive behaviors show stronger connections between specific brain regions. Read More
FeaturedPsychology·July 8, 2016Bipolar Disorder Linked to Unexpected Region of BrainAccording to researchers, genes within the striatum could be deeply involved in bipolar disorder. Read More
AutismFeaturedPsychology·September 13, 2017Blocking Gut Bacteria Strains May Reduce Autism Risk Linked to Maternal InfectionMIT researchers report mothers who contract severe infections during pregnancy face higher autism risks in their children. However, ASD risks could be reduced by blocking the function of certain strains of bacteria found in the mother's gut. Read More
