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University of Turku

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 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 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.

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 Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·October 2, 2018·3 min read

Experienced Musicians Read Notes Only Slightly Faster

A new eye tracking study reveals skilled musicians only read musical notes slightly faster than novices, but during that time, professional musicians are able to add flourish and play around with the music, interpreting it in their own manner.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·August 29, 2018·3 min read

Bodily Sensations Give Rise to Conscious Feelings

A new study reports conscious feelings stem from bodily feedback. Researchers have mapped the organization of conscious feelings, reporting they cluster into five categories: positive emotions, negative emotions, cognitive function, somatic state and illness.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 24, 2018·4 min read

Sweeter Dreams in a Peaceful Mind

According to researchers, people with higher levels of peace of mind have more positive dream emotions. By contrast, those who feel anxious report more negative dreams.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Visual Neuroscience

·December 13, 2017·4 min read

Researchers Induce a Form of Synesthesia with Hypnosis

Hypnotic suggestion can trigger visual hallucinations similar to those experienced by people with synethesia, researchers report.

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.