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University of Tsukuba

·December 16, 2024·3 min read

Dopamine Plays Key Role in the Heart’s Stress Response

Researchers have discovered how stress-induced cardiovascular changes are controlled by the brain. Experiments in rats show that activating the lateral habenula, a stress-sensitive brain region, triggers changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 29, 2024·3 min read

How the Brain Enhances Sleep Through Synaptic Strength

Researchers have discovered that stronger synaptic connections between neurons in the brain trigger deeper sleep. Using a molecular tool called SYNCit-K, scientists enhanced synaptic strength in the prefrontal cortex of mice, inducing sleep and aligning with predictions from a mathematical model of brain activity.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 28, 2024·4 min read

Biosignals Boost Social Presence in Online Interactions

Researchers have discovered that sharing real-time biosignals, such as heart rate, during online interactions can increase the sense of social presence. In a study, participants playing video games with strangers reported feeling closer when they could see their opponent's heart rate and face.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 18, 2024·3 min read

Brain’s Social Bonding Mechanism Unveiled

A new study reveals how our brains remember the faces of caregivers and loved ones. Researchers discovered that the same brain mechanism used to remember the value of objects is also involved in associating faces with familiarity and social bonds. This finding sheds light on the neural basis of social relationships and may have implications for understanding and treating disorders like Parkinson's disease.

This shows a woman in workout clothing and a scale.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 8, 2024·4 min read

Intense Exercise May Sabotage Weight Loss Efforts

Intense exercise can reduce subsequent physical activity and body temperature, potentially leading to weight gain. The research, conducted on mice, suggests this effect is due to disruptions in the circadian rhythm of the stress hormone corticosterone.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 3, 2024·3 min read

AI Detects Lewy-Body Dementia Via Emotional Vocalization Changes

Researchers identified disease-specific reductions in emotional expressivity in Lewy body dementia through deep neural network analysis. This reduced vocal expression is linked to cognitive impairment and brain region atrophy, distinguishing it from Alzheimer's disease. Their study suggests vocal emotion analysis could aid in early detection and proper care.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 28, 2024·3 min read

Light-Activated Drug Induces Sleep by Targeting Brain Receptors

Researchers developed a light-sensitive drug that enhances adenosine activity in the brain, inducing sleep in mice without genetic modification. This innovation overcomes the limitations of conventional photosensitive drugs, offering precise control over sleep and motivation via A2A receptors.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 22, 2023·4 min read

Groove Rhythm in Exercise Boosts Brain Function

A new study has found that combining aerobic exercise with groove rhythm (GR) music can significantly enhance executive function in the brain. Conducted with 48 healthy participants aged 18-26, the research revealed that exercising to GR not only increased enjoyment but also activated the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) more than standard exercise.

This shows a woman in VR goggles in a frosty forest.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 23, 2023·3 min read

Virtual Reality Generates Cold Sensations Without Real Temperature Shifts

Researchers have created a groundbreaking non-contact technology to simulate cold sensations in virtual reality, maintaining consistent skin temperatures. By combining cold airflow and light, they induce cold sensations without actual temperature shifts.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 22, 2023·3 min read

Coffee Component Boosts Memory

Trigonelline (TG), a compound in coffee and certain vegetables, is believed to improve cognitive decline in aging. Researchers administered TG to aging mice, noting enhancements in spatial learning and memory.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 15, 2023·3 min read

Detecting Depression: A 1-Minute EEG Test Reveals Mood Shifts

Depression, a challenging condition to diagnose early, may now be detected more promptly using a simple 1-minute Electroencephalogram (EEG) test at home. This study revealed a relationship between EEG results and the severity of participants' depressive moods over several weeks.

This is a cartoon of a woman exercising.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·July 25, 2023·4 min read

Light Exercise Enhances Executive Function

Researchers have discovered that mild forms of exercise, like walking, can improve mood and enhance the brain's executive function. The key to this improvement lies in our eyes - or more precisely, our pupils.

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University of Tsukuba

Dopamine Plays Key Role in the Heart’s Stress Response

How the Brain Enhances Sleep Through Synaptic Strength

Intense Exercise May Sabotage Weight Loss Efforts

AI Detects Lewy-Body Dementia Via Emotional Vocalization Changes

Light-Activated Drug Induces Sleep by Targeting Brain Receptors

Groove Rhythm in Exercise Boosts Brain Function

Virtual Reality Generates Cold Sensations Without Real Temperature Shifts

Coffee Component Boosts Memory

Detecting Depression: A 1-Minute EEG Test Reveals Mood Shifts

Light Exercise Enhances Executive Function

Dopamine Surge Boosts Brain’s Ability to Adapt

Killing in Combat Doesn’t Always Harm Soldiers’ Mental Health

Pleasure Loss, Not Cravings, Drives Overeating in Obesity

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