Tracing the Brain-To-Gut Connection
Using rabies virus injected into the stomach of rats, researchers trace the nerves back to the brain and find distinct ‘fight or flight’ and ‘rest and digest’ circuits. These results explain how mental states can affect the gut, and present new ways to treat gastrointestinal problems.
Potent pain-suppression center in the brain is found by neurobiologists
Response of dozens of pain-promotion centers is dampened by single OFF switch.
Compared to males, females exhibit more intense subjective cannabis cravings
Researchers also found preliminary evidence that ovarian hormones may modulate the differential response in women and may be related to different levels of estrogen.
Scientists square off against gamers in a game of neuron-tracing
Veteran players of ‘Mozak’ are pitted against Allen Institute researchers — well-versed in neuroscience but new to the online game — in a work-and-game-at-home challenge.
Motor Skill Learning Via Changes in Brain’s Transmitters is Boosted by Exercise
Switch in chemical messaging is key prelude to motor skill acquisition according to research
Symptom-specific Targets for Treatment of Depression is Identified By Researchers
Improvement of separate clusters of depressive symptoms is linked to therapeutic stimulation of distinct brain circuitry Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, striking as many as one in four women and one in eight men in their lifetime. While more...Neural circuit that drives physical responses to emotional stress are found by researchers
A key target for treating stress-related disorders such as panic disorder and PTSD is what this neural circuit could become.
Explaining Parkinson’s dyskinesia mechanism
Study finds involuntary movements caused by dopamine replacement therapy can be alleviated through suppression of RasGRP1.
Molecular switch plays crucial role in learning from negative experiences
Neurobiologists at KU Leuven have discovered how the signalling molecule Neuromedin U plays a crucial role in our learning process. The protein allows the brain to recall negative memories and, as such, learn from the past. The findings of their study on roundworms have been published in the journal Nature Communications.
Social Anxiety Disorder Patient’s Large Differences Personality Traits
Compared to others, different personality traits exist in individuals with social anxiety disorder. According to a new study from Uppsala University, Emotional instability and introversion are hallmarks.
How the heart affects our perception
Brain and heart constantly communicate. For example, signals from the brain make sure that the heart beats faster when we encounter a dangerous situation. The heart slows down when we relax. Interestingly, vice versa – even though the underlying mechanisms are unclear, the heartbeat also affects the brain. It has now been identified by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig and Berlin School of Mind & Brain that two mechanisms underpinning how the heart influences our perception, the brain, and how these mechanisms differ between individuals.
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