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University of Tsukuba

·May 24, 2025·3 min read

New Tool Tracks Individual Brain Cells in Mice for Up to 99 Days

Tracking the same neurons in the brain over time has long challenged neuroscientists using calcium imaging in freely moving mice. A new analytical tool called CaliAli overcomes these limitations by aligning imaging data across sessions with remarkable accuracy.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 18, 2025·3 min read

Vitamin B1 Derivative Sparks Dopamine, Boosts Wakefulness

Thiamine derivatives, once developed to treat nutrient deficiencies, are now being explored for their potential effects on brain function and energy. A new study shows that TTFD, a thiamine derivative, increases dopamine in the brain’s medial prefrontal cortex, leading to enhanced arousal and physical activity in rats.

This shows a person running and a brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 18, 2025·4 min read

Light Exercise Boosts Memory via Dopamine and Noradrenaline

New research reveals that even light exercise, like jogging or yoga, activates key neurotransmitter systems that enhance memory by stimulating the hippocampus. In a rat model mimicking human exercise, scientists found that dopamine and noradrenaline levels increased in the hippocampus during low-intensity activity.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 29, 2025·3 min read

Dopamine Circuit in Brain Found to Drive Male Ejaculation

New research uncovers how dopamine in the ventral shell of the nucleus accumbens (vsNAc) governs the sexual behavior sequence in male mice, from sniffing to ejaculation. Using fiber photometry, scientists identified rhythmic dopamine activity during intromission that aligns with movement patterns and is regulated by acetylcholine inputs.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·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.