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Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 29, 2020·3 min read

Age, sex and smoking influence opioid receptor function in the brain

Age, sex, and gender influence the organization of the brain's opioid system. Findings shed light on why there are significant differences between the opioid system on an individual level, and why some are more prone to developing opioid-linked pathologies than others.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 11, 2020·2 min read

JNK protein triggers neurons to withdraw their synapses when stressed

Using optogenetics to inhibit the JNK protein prevented synapses from shrinking in response to stress.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 16, 2020·2 min read

The molecular mechanisms of depression

Study reveals how the brain's opioid system is linked to mood changes associated with depression and anxiety. Neuroimaging revealed, in those with depression, there is a decreased number of opioid receptors in specific areas of the brain.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·January 24, 2020·3 min read

Horror movies manipulate brain activity expertly to enhance excitement

Neuroimaging reveals areas of the brain associated with visual and auditory processing are more active when anxiety slowly increases during horror movies. After a shocking scene, brain areas associated with emotional processing, threat evaluation, and decision making increase in activity.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 23, 2021·4 min read

Seasonal Variation in Daylight Influences Brain Function

The seasonal duration of daylight influences the number of opioid receptors in the brain. The findings shed new light on a potential mechanism behind seasonal affective disorder.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 18, 2019·3 min read

Gut microbes associated with temperament traits in children

Study finds a correlation with early infant gut microbiota composition and temperament traits in toddlers. Positive emotionality was associated with higher Streptococcus and Bifidobacterium levels, while negative and fear reactivity was associated with reduced bacterial diversity.

Autism Featured Psychology

·December 12, 2020·3 min read

Psychiatric Disorders Explain Increased Risk for Self-Harm In ASD

Young adults on the autism spectrum with co-morbid psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and affective disorders, have a higher risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 26, 2019·4 min read

Smoking During Pregnancy Increases ADHD Risk 3 Fold

A new study links prenatal smoking with a significantly increased risk of a child developing ADHD later in life. The study found higher cotinine levels in the mother's blood during pregnancy increased the risk of her child being diagnosed with ADHD three fold.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 23, 2020·3 min read

Prenatal stress associated with infant gut microbes

Chronic stress during pregnancy and elevated maternal cortisol levels have been linked to alterations in the gut microbiota of infants.

Image shows a the location of the substantia nigra in the brain.

Featured Neurology

·March 23, 2017·3 min read

Scientific Discovery May Change Treatment of Parkinson’s

A neuroimaging study reports dopamine activity does not reflect the number of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra of people with Parkinson's disease.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·August 20, 2020·4 min read

Defiance and Low Trust in Medical Doctors Related to Vaccine Skepticism

Vaccine skeptics have lower trust in doctors and are more likely to use alternative medicine. Researchers say vaccine recommendations given by authorities or as a result of social pressure cause defiance in those who are anti-vaccine.

Image shows endorphin release in a brain scan.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 24, 2017·3 min read

High Intensity Interval Training Releases Endorphins in the Brain

A PET neuroimaging study reveals high intensity impact training significantly increases endorphin release in brain areas associated with controlling emotion and pain.

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