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Society for Neuroscience


Neuroanatomy of social dominance

Researchers explored neuroanatomy underlying social dominance in nonhuman primates, focusing on the uncinate fasciculus and its correlation with social dominance measures. The study found a significant correlation between this brain tract and social aggression, supporting human studies linking it to social dominance.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateJul 21, 2025

Investigating cocaine addiction using fruit flies

A new study uses a fruit fly model to investigate the genetic basis of cocaine addiction. By genetically modifying bitter-sensing receptors in fruit flies, researchers found that these flies developed a preference for cocaine over sugar. This study suggests that genes involved in human cocaine addiction may also be active in fruit flies.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateJun 2, 2025

What birds can teach us about social learning

Researchers discovered a novel connection between the amygdala brain region and social learning in zebra finches. Young birds preferred approaching tutors with longer but less frequent songs, suggesting the amygdala plays a role in socially selective behavior. This finding sheds new light on the neural mechanisms underlying song learning.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateMay 26, 2025

Rats are more motivated to help their friends

Researchers found that rats are more likely to aid distressed peers if they have previous positive social interactions with them. Helper rats showed increased activity in brain regions associated with empathy and motivation compared to less helpful rats. Oxytocin signaling may play a role in motivating rats to care for others.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateApr 28, 2025

Advancing understanding of lucid dreaming in humans

A large-scale study published in JNeurosci reveals distinct brain activity patterns during lucid dreaming compared to rapid eye movement sleep and wakefulness. The findings suggest shifts in brain region activation and communication that may be linked to changes in perception, memory processing, self-awareness, and cognitive control.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateApr 21, 2025

Type 2 diabetes may suppress reward

A rat study found that type 2 diabetes can suppress the activity of the anterior cingulate cortex, a region critical for cognition and emotions. This weakening affects reward signals and leads to altered behavior, highlighting a potential link between T2D and psychiatric disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateMar 24, 2025