Restoring normal sleep patterns by activating the thalamic reticular nucleus with chemogenetics reduced the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques in the brains.
Certain genes that are mutated or missing in those with schizophrenia and autism cause similar dysfunction in neural networks within the thalamus.
Mapping the thalamic reticular nucleus, researchers have identified two distinct subnetworks of neurons with different functions. Findings offer insight into more specific targets for therapeutics to alleviate some sensory, sleep, and attention symptoms associated with ASD and other disorders characterized by sensory hypersensitivity.
Summary: Treating mouse models of autism with modafinil and EBIO reduced hypersensitivity to noise. Source: MIT People with autism often...
A pathway linking the basal ganglia to the thalamus enhances sensory discrimination and is used to suppress 'background noise'. The pathway, which is controlled by the prefrontal cortex, selectively suppresses sensory input as it flows to the thalamus.
Researchers have mapped the relationship of two types of neurons implicated in psychiatric and movement disorder. The findings could lead to new treatments for a range of disorders from depression to Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have discovered a brain circuit that can trigger small regions of the brain to fall asleep or become less alert, while the rest of the brain remains awake.
A new study identifies a neural pathway which controls attention.
A new optogenetics study could be a breakthrough in understanding how the TRN influences consciousness.
