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University of Oregon

·April 16, 2022·4 min read

A ‘Social’ Gene in Fish Could Contain New Clues to Autism

Mutations to the EGR1 gene disrupt social behaviors in zebrafish models of ASD. Additionally, the mutation disrupts dopamine signaling from specific neurons, contributing to mood and social behavior disorders.

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·November 1, 2022·4 min read

A Gut-Brain Connection for Social Development

Healthy microbes in the gut encourage synaptic pruning in brain circuits associated with social behavior. Previous research has linked both poor synaptic pruning and gut health to neurodevelopmental disorders including ASD. The new findings could pave the way for treatments for disorders associated with social behavior deficits.

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·October 31, 2022·6 min read

A New Map of the Octopus Visual System Gives Clues to Brain Evolution

A new map of the octopus visual system classifies different types of neurons in a part of the brain dedicated to vision, shedding new light on the evolution of the brain and visual systems in a more broad sense.

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·January 27, 2024·5 min read

Boosting Learning With the Power of Passive Exposure

Researchers discovered in mice that passive exposure, alongside active training, can significantly enhance the learning process. This study demonstrates how passive exposure to stimuli like sounds or languages helps the brain to form foundational representations, making active learning more efficient.

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·June 3, 2026·11 min read

Brain’s Internal Disappointment Meter Forces Behavioral Change

Can recording a single group of deep-brain cells tell scientists exactly how let down you feel? A new study identifies a group of neurons within the lateral habenula that function as a biological "disappointment meter."

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·November 30, 2021·6 min read

Certain Brain Waves Aren’t Just Background Noise

Findings shed new light on how brain states are regulated and how the brain can switch between them.

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·December 3, 2018·3 min read

EEG Decodes How People Navigate Complex Sequences

A new EEG study reveals strong working memory is vital to working with abstract information.

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·January 27, 2023·4 min read

Even Simple Motions Make Ripples Across Brain

A simple motion like a push of a button can send ripples of activity across neurons spanning the entire brain, a new study reports.

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·May 15, 2017·5 min read

Hormone Key to Fruit Fly Brain Development Discovered

New insight into brain development in fruit flies may also shed light on maternal hypothyroidism in humans, researchers say.

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·October 2, 2021·6 min read

How Parents Feed Kids Is Linked to Emotional Eating

Overall, restrictive eating was the only feeding practice that linked parent and child emotional eating.

Image shows a brain scan with the VMPFC highlighted.

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·December 14, 2017·4 min read

Journaling Inspires Altruism Through an Attitude of Gratitude

University of Oregon researchers report those who write online journals that note feelings of gratitude develop an increase in altruism.

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·February 7, 2020·4 min read

Just being around your cellphone affects your thinking

Without their cell phones, study participants had increased difficulty concentrating and experienced more mind-wandering that those who had access to their phones. Those who had access to their phone, but were told to resist using them had greater perceived concentration abilities than those who had no access to their device.