Researchers found that inhibiting pyramidal neurons in the dorsal or ventral hippocampus after a meal caused rats to start their next meal sooner and consume more food. This study suggests boosting meal memories could help regulate future eating behavior.
A study of 14-year-olds from Ireland, England, France, and Germany found increased volume of brain regions in teenagers who reported limited cannabis use. The researchers identified associations between increased grey matter volume and assessments of reasoning and anxiety.
New research reveals structural changes in lower and higher brain structures in individuals with dyslexia, including reduced connectivity between the thalamus and auditory cortex. This study broadens our understanding of dyslexia, a common learning disability, to include alterations in brain structure.
A mouse study reveals that abnormal brain development and maternal stress interact to produce schizophrenia, bipolar, and depressive disorders. Disrupting a specific molecule in the prefrontal cortex during embryonic development can lead to similar cognitive impairments.
New research published in JNeurosci finds that stroke generates dysfunctional brain cells that fail to develop properly, leading to memory impairments. Intervening in the production of these cells may help mitigate stroke-induced memory loss.
A new study published in JNeurosci used neuroimaging data from smokers to predict the influence of an anti-smoking media campaign on likely smokers. The approach identified a neural pathway that predicted campaign success, and may help improve informational materials.
A longitudinal neuroimaging study of over 600 healthy young people found positive associations between socioeconomic status and the size and surface area of brain regions involved in cognitive functions. Greater childhood SES was associated with larger volumes of subcortical regions, extending previous research on SES and cortical morp...
Researchers used machine learning to translate brain activity into fear of pain questionnaire scores, revealing distinct neural patterns for different constructs. The study may reconcile self-reported emotions and their neural underpinnings, providing new insights into pain-related fear.
A study using monkeys with the breast cancer drug letrozole found significant behavioral changes and impaired brain function, including hot flashes, increased anxiety, and spatial memory issues. The research highlights the importance of studying the effects of estrogen-reducing treatments on the nervous system.
Researchers developed a method to translate brain activity into visual representations, enabling patients to increase or decrease beta waves associated with symptoms. Although no improvement in symptoms was observed, the study demonstrates a new approach toward managing disease-related brain activity that could inform new treatments.
Research found that activation of microglia in the spinal cord is responsible for increased pain sensitivity in response to stress. Eliminating microglia from the spinal cord prevented these effects, highlighting their role in transmitting pain to the brain.
A study published in JNeurosci found that one night of sleep loss increases the desire for junk foods, as measured by brain activity and hormone levels. The researchers suggest that a lack of sleep can promote overeating and obesity risk through increased food desirability.
A human neuroimaging and eye-tracking study found that the brain updates its preferences in real-time to choose between two equally attractive options, avoiding indecision like Buridan's donkey. This neural activity predicts how individuals reevaluate their choices.
A study of male and female rats found that moderate spinal cord damage alters daily body temperature and activity patterns. Restoring normal routines through circadian therapies may promote recovery after spinal cord injury.
Researchers found that female mice with Alzheimer's-like pathology spent more time in stages with high estrogen levels than control mice, associated with impaired learning and memory. Beta-amyloid production also increased during these stages, highlighting the importance of female biology in nervous system disorders.
A recent study published in JNeurosci found that activation of the anterior insular cortex is a key predictor of relapse after abstinence in male rats. This finding has implications for understanding the neurobiology of relapse and may inform preventative strategies for alcohol use disorder in humans.
A study published in eNeuro found that percussionists outperformed brass players and color guards in detecting the order of moving stimuli. Musical training was shown to shape cortical areas responsible for synchronizing rhythm and behavior.
Researchers pinpointed the anterior cingulate cortex as the brain region responsible for integrating disparate information to inform 'on-the-fly' decision-making. Activity in this region was associated with combining quality and quantity, while other areas linked to interaction between these factors were also activated.
A controlled laboratory study found that MDMA increased cooperation between individuals who had been betrayed, indicating the drug's potential as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. The study also reported altered brain activity in regions involved in social information processing.
Researchers developed a technique to create tissue-like structures from human stem cells, which were then transplanted into mouse brains. This approach showed improved cell survival and differentiation compared to traditional methods.
Rat models reveal factors contributing to relapse, withdrawal, and addiction vulnerability, highlighting the need for new preventions and treatments. Sensation-seeking behavior is linked to severe opioid withdrawal and addiction risk.
New research presents significant breakthroughs in brain-computer interfaces, enabling improved prosthetics and therapies for people with conditions such as paralysis, stroke, and blindness. Advanced technologies are being developed to restore task-related sensations to amputees and improve vision for the blind.
Research finds that prenatal exposure to THC can impair learning and memory in adolescents, while also improving symptoms in Alzheimer's disease patients. Long-term cannabinoid use alters brain metabolism and connectivity in adults, raising concerns for vulnerable populations.
Fumiko Hoeft receives the Science Educator Award for her work in educating the public about neuroscience through outreach and education. Teodora Stoica and Elena Blanco-Suárez receive the Next Generation Award for their efforts to share neuroscience with local communities through communication, education, and outreach.
New studies reveal extracellular vesicles transport molecular signals, signs of disease, and stress effects onto offspring. These particles may help diagnose neurological disorders with similar symptoms.
Llinás' research on membrane biophysics and the active neuron concept has significantly advanced our knowledge of neuronal function and behavior. He was recognized for his work on dendritic calcium spikes, electrotonic coupling, and subthreshold oscillations in mammalian neurons.
The Society for Neuroscience has presented a record-breaking 261 Trainee Professional Development Awards to young researchers from around the world. This represents a 28% increase from last year's awards, reflecting the program's growing impact on supporting the next generation of neuroscientists.
Stephen Waxman, MD, PhD, of Yale University, received the Julius Axelrod Prize for his distinguished contributions to neuropharmacology and exemplary mentoring efforts. He is being recognized for his work on ion channels in nervous system disorders, including spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.
Postdoctoral fellows Vikram Gadagkar and Johannes Kohl have been awarded the $25,000 Peter and Patricia Gruber International Research Award for their innovative contributions to neuroscience. Their research focuses on trial-and-error learning mechanisms and neural circuits that control behavior.
New findings from Neuroscience 2018 present promising avenues for early treatment of mental illness and alcohol/substance use disorders in adolescents. Childhood trauma and genetic variants affecting reward response are identified as key factors impacting adolescent brain development and susceptibility to addiction.
Breakdowns in brain's blood vessels linked to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention through biomarkers, exercise, and targeted treatments. Age-related loss of brain lymphatic function also plays a role in neurodegeneration.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have successfully restored vision in rats with severe retinal degeneration through cell transplantation. The study demonstrates that donor cells can integrate into the retina and generate nearly normal visual activity in the brains of blind animals.
Kenneth Miller received the 2018 Swartz Prize in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience for his contributions to modeling cerebral cortex function. His research has led to a reliable model of synaptic plasticity, confirmed by experimental data.
Lisa Giocomo and Christopher Harvey, recognized for their novel insights into spatial perception and synaptic specificity of neural plasticity, have made strides in bridging molecular processes with cognitive function. Their work has the potential to provide new applications of tools and techniques in systems neuroscience.
The Society for Neuroscience presents Dr. Michael Bruchas with the Jacob P. Waletzky Award, recognizing his research on stress biology and opioid signaling in drug addiction. His work has advanced our understanding of neural circuits and cell biology critical to developing new treatments.
Erik Herzog and Gönül Peker received the Award for Education in Neuroscience from the Society for Neuroscience. Herzog is recognized for his efforts to increase diversity in neuroscience through mentoring and outreach, while Peker has promoted international educational experiences and research collaborations.
William Muñoz has been awarded the Nemko Prize for his innovative method of recording cortical neurons, which allows scientists to examine the functional architecture of the cortex in awake, behaving mice. His work reveals a new mechanism by which the cerebral cortex processes and integrates information.
New studies reveal that disrupted circadian rhythms can drive anxiety and exacerbate brain disorders, highlighting the importance of regulating wake-sleep cycles. Healthy sleep habits are also found to be critical in preventing various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and anxiety disorder.
Marley Kass, PhD, of Rutgers University, has been awarded the $2,500 Donald B. Lindsley Prize in Behavioral Neuroscience for her thesis on experience-dependent plasticity of early sensory processing in mice.
New research presents promising results from preclinical studies using gene therapy to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders. Gene therapy has been successfully used to slow disease progression and improve symptoms in mouse models.
Research highlights long-lasting effects of early life stress on the genome, gut, and brain, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder. Novel strategies, such as inhibiting stress hormone production or resetting immune cells, may help combat these effects.
Studies in mice and marmosets reveal mechanisms underlying social learning and behavior, including neural circuits controlling vocalizations and aggression. The findings provide a clearer picture of the brain's social processing, paving the way for potential treatments for disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.
The practice of solitary confinement has been shown to alter brain structures and behaviors, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. As social isolation becomes a growing problem in the US, scientists and experts are exploring ways to mitigate its effects.
The Society for Neuroscience is recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing women in the field of neuroscience. This year's honorees include Elaine Del Bel, PhD, and Herbert Geller, PhD, for their pioneering work on mentoring female neuroscientists and promoting equality among students.
A laboratory study of over 100 healthy adults found that pairing larger wins with sensory cues increased participants' preference for high-risk decisions. The researchers also observed greater pupil dilation in subjects who were more aroused when winning outcomes were paired with sensory cues.
A recent study published in JNeurosci found that nose breathing enhances memory consolidation. Researchers compared the effects of nose and mouth breathing during a one-hour consolidation period after participants were exposed to various odors. Nose breathers showed increased odor recognition, suggesting that nose breathing may facilit...
A neuroimaging study identifies two brain regions sensitive to visual scenes that respond differently to tasks involving place recognition and navigation. The results suggest a more multifaceted human visual system, with potential applications in computer vision systems and recovery from brain injuries.
Researchers induced a mild brain injury in mice and used neural precursor cells to show recovery of lesions and improved motor functions. The study suggests that these cells may enable the brain's own cells to repair damaged areas.
Researchers discovered brain regions deactivated during successful reading recall, suggesting a mechanism for filtering out irrelevant information and focusing on memory commitment. The findings provide new insight into natural reading processes and the neural basis of successful text encoding.
A study of male and female mice found that chronic short sleep and chronic fragmentation of sleep accelerate Alzheimer's disease-related tau pathology. Healthy sleep habits during adolescence and early adulthood may help prevent progression of neurodegenerative diseases.