Researchers discovered mutations of the OPTN gene resulted in increased herpesvirus 1 growth in the brains of mice, leading to the death of local neurons. This resulted in accelerated neurodegeneration. OPTN deficiency was also associated with impairments in immune response. While these findings are specific to the HSV-1 virus, researchers believe the findings may apply to up to eight herpesvirus infections.
In the hours after death, some cells in the human brain not only remain active, they grow in size.
Neuroimaging can be used to assess a person's risk of suicidal behavior. Those with mood disorders, a history of suicidal thoughts, and those with a history of suicide attempts have less connectivity in the cognitive control network. They also have reduced connectivity between the cognitive control network and the default mode network.
Researchers have discovered how TH1 and TH17 immune cells obtain access to neurons in multiple sclerosis.
Women who suffer from eating disorders from anorexia to obesity have lower levels of allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite previously linked to mood disorders, a new study reports.
Neurons in the ventral tegmental area, an area of the brain considered to be the reward center, fire more rapidly to alcohol when estrogen levels are elevated, a new study reports. The study may shed light on how alcohol addiction develops in some women.
According to researchers, people tend to be more lenient towards politicians' lies when they believe a specific political stance is morally correct. Researchers suggest supporters perceive the lies to be a necessary means to achieve a higher moral end.
Researchers have identified a mechanism that could help explain how ketamine helps relieve symptoms of depression.
Sleep plays an important role in being able to regulate negative emotions, especially in people with depression and anxiety, a new study reveals.
Researchers report transgenic mice engineered to carry genes associated with ALS showed improved neuromuscualr function and lived longer after being exposed to butyrate.