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striatum

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 26, 2022·3 min read

Synaptic Connectivity of a Novel Cell Population in the Striatum

Researchers characterize a novel neural population within the striatum that appears to be responsible for the interplay between acetylcholine and GABA.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 10, 2022·6 min read

Psychopaths Are More Likely to Have a Larger Striatum

Neuroimaging study reveals those with psychopathy have a 10% larger striatum than non-psychopaths. Researchers say the increased size of the striatum, a brain area associated with cognitive and social functions, may account for a higher likelihood of impulsive behaviors and increased need for stimulation often associated with psychopathy. Additionally, researchers suggest there may be an element of heredity in the neural anatomy, adding support to the neurodevelopmental perspective of psychopathy.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 25, 2022·6 min read

Neurons That Encode the Outcomes of Actions

Striosomes, a collection of neurons in the brain's striatum, help with decision-making that requires the evaluation of risks and benefits.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 28, 2022·6 min read

Familiar Objects Can Prevent Autism-Like Behaviors in Mouse Model

Exposing mice with the autism-associated SHANK3 genetic mutation to new environments can trigger autism-like behaviors, including repetitive movements and problems with social engagement. However, adding familiar objects to the novel environment during the first exposure can reduce the behavioral and brain signaling deficits.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 7, 2022·3 min read

A Yet Unknown Neural Mechanism of Habit Formation Identified

Study provides insight into the behavioral function of dopamine signaling in the striatum.

This shows a brain scan with the neural network associated with tic development highlighted

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·January 21, 2022·6 min read

How Do Tics Develop?

A new study identifies a neural network that appears to be responsible for the development of tics and tic disorders. Researchers say deep brain stimulation applied to this network helps alleviate symptoms of tics.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 26, 2021·5 min read

Old Habit-Controlling Neurons May Also Help the Brain Learn New Tricks

The delicate balance between learning new behaviors and expressing old habits is controlled by two different populations of neurons in the dorsolateral striatum.

This shows a man covering his face with his hands

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 28, 2021·4 min read

Motivation Depends on How the Brain Processes Fatigue

People show a decrease in motivation to exert effort or work when feeling fatigued. Motivation can be restored if people are allowed a short rest, however for those with long-term fatigue, motivation does not improve following a short-term period of rest.

This shows a mouse brain and what looks like computer chips

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 23, 2021·6 min read

Basic Cell Health Systems Wear Down in Huntington’s Disease

Huntington's disease may progress to advanced stages as a result of degradation of the cells' health maintenance system than due to the increased disease pathology itself.

This is a drawing of a brain made up of astrocytes

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 12, 2021·6 min read

Astrocytes May Be Linked to Stuttering

Astrocytes in the striatum appear to play a critical role in stuttering. Researchers found treatment with risperidone helped reduce stuttering by increasing the metabolism of striatal astrocytes.