Latest

thalamus

·February 9, 2023·5 min read

Putting the Brake on Risky Behaviors

A newly discovered neural circuit in the thalamus prevented reward-seeking behaviors when activated in a preclinical model. When blocked, this circuit increases high-risk reward-seeking behaviors. The findings could lead to new therapies for addiction and other disorders associated with high-risk reward-seeking behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 2, 2023·7 min read

Sparse, Small, but Diverse Neural Connections Help Make Perception Reliable and Efficient

Thalamic inputs into superficial layers of the cerebral cortex are both rare and weak, yet surprisingly diverse in their distribution patterns. However, they are reliable and efficient representatives of information.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·January 20, 2023·5 min read

Why Congenitally Blind People Show Activity in Visual-Processing Areas of the Brain

Study reveals structural changes of connectivity in the thalamus to other brain areas in those with congenital blindness, providing evidence of brain plasticity. The areas of the thalamus that connect with the occipital lobe in those with blindness are weaker and smaller, giving space to connections in the temporal cortex which are strengthened.

Featured Neuroscience Pain

·December 2, 2022·5 min read

How Touch Dampens the Brain’s Response to Painful Stimuli

A simple act such as rubbing your temples when you have a headache can help to alleviate pain. Researchers say this is because pain-responsive neurons in the brain quiet down when these neurons also receive touch input.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 10, 2022·5 min read

Mapping the Communications Hub of the Brain

A new brain map reveals how the thalamus connects with other areas of the brain.

This shows the location of the thalamus in the brain

Featured Neuroscience

·October 17, 2022·4 min read

Nicotine Dose in a Single Cigarette Blocks Estrogen Production in Women’s Brains

The dose of nicotine from a single cigarette blocks estrogen production in the brain, causing behavioral changes. Findings may shed new light on why quitting smoking may be more difficult for women than men.

This shows the outline of a head and a brain

Featured Neuroscience

·October 14, 2022·5 min read

Secret Structure in the Wiring Diagram of the Brain

Study reveals a hidden order in seemingly random connections between neurons.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 8, 2022·4 min read

Human Cocaine and Heroin Addiction Is Found Tied to Impairments in Specific Brain Circuit Initially Implicated in Animals

Greater impairment of the prefrontal cortex-habenula pathway was correlated with earlier age of first drug use.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience

·September 22, 2022·4 min read

The Prose of Dr. Seuss Shines a Light on How the Brain Processes Speech

Using the Dr. Seuss classic, The Lorax, researchers shed new light on how the brain engages during complex audiovisual speech perception. The findings reveal how the brain utilizes a complex network of brain regions involved in sensory processing, multisensory integration, and cognitive functions to comprehend a story's context.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 16, 2022·4 min read

How the Brain Gathers Threat Cues and Turns Them Into Fear

CGRP neurons found in subregions of the thalamus and brainstem relay multisensory threat information to the amygdala. These neural circuits are essential for the formation of aversive memories, a new study reports.