Articles tagged with Behavioral Neuroscience
Researchers have linked mammalian behavior to its underlying neural code for the first time, shedding light on how a mammal's brain interprets signals from the eyes. This discovery is relevant to all neuroscientists studying perception and has implications for understanding individual 'words' in the brain.
A key brain circuit has been identified as a critical regulator of reward cue-related behavior in rats. The study found that this circuit reduces the incentive value of food cues by controlling dopamine release, which may help explain why some individuals struggle to resist temptation.
Research in mice reveals that chronic cocaine use changes gene expression in the hippocampus, leading to epigenetic modifications of the FosB gene. This modification enables the formation of drug associations and contributes to addiction.
New research reveals that human selective breeding has altered dog brain structure and behavior, with breeds exhibiting unique brain networks correlated to specific characteristics.
A meta-analysis of 40 studies reveals that individuals with psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder exhibit heightened impulsivity. The study suggests a continuum between impulsive and self-controlled decision-making across different disorders.
Researchers have developed an implantable optrode array capable of exciting below-surface neurons in large mammal brains. The new device addresses challenges in optical stimulation and neuroscience, enabling studies to link neural activity to specific cognitive functions.
A new study found that adolescents who engage in more fun-seeking behaviors tend to exhibit both risk-taking and prosocial behavior. Researchers also discovered that faster brain development in certain regions is associated with less rebellious behavior.
Caregivers of people with dementia experience significant sleep loss, estimated at 2.5-3.5 hours per week, affecting both their mental and physical health. Simple interventions such as morning sunlight, regular bedtime routines, and moderate exercise can improve caregivers' sleep quality.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have developed a new way to classify brain cells based on electrical signals. By analyzing data from nearly 2,500 neurons, they identified four distinct classes of cells with different properties and functions in various regions of the brain.
Researchers at McMaster University found that extreme weather events like hurricanes can drive the evolution of more aggressive spiders in storm-prone regions. Colonies with more aggressive foraging responses produce more egg cases and have more spiderlings survive into early winter after tropical cyclones.
A team of researchers has created the first comprehensive map of the behavior of Kv channels, a crucial step towards developing improved models for ion channel research. The dataset, known as Channelpedia, provides access to over 9,000 cell recordings and will enable scientists to develop more accurate drug discovery models.
Researchers found that males with similar personalities are more likely to form strong social bonds and cooperate in critical situations. The study suggests that personality homophily provides an evolutionary advantage by facilitating communication and coordination among friends.
Researchers use machine learning to analyze mouse behavior while foraging for food, identifying 71 reproduceable behavioral sequences as the underlying building blocks for more complex behavior patterns. The study reveals genetic influence over behavior and provides a new approach to understanding complex behaviors in humans.
A new computer tool can reveal valuable insights into rodents' communication patterns and is more reliable than existing methods. The system analyses audio recordings of ultrasonic vocalisations to determine different types of sounds, standardizing interpretations for direct comparisons.
A new study by Western University demonstrates that fear of predators can leave long-lasting traces in the neural circuitry of wild animals and induce enduringly fearful behaviour. The findings support the notion that PTSD is not unnatural and have important implications for biomedical researchers, mental health clinicians, and ecologi...
New research provides a more accurate way to measure pain in mice using slow-motion video and artificial intelligence. The 'mouse pain scale' assesses the degree of pain, increasing confidence in therapeutic effectiveness in humans.
Research found that mice exposed to low-dose radiation for six months experienced impaired cellular signaling, leading to learning and memory problems and increased anxiety behaviors. The study highlights the need for safety measures to protect astronauts' brains during deep space missions.
Researchers have developed a soft neural implant capable of delivering multiple drugs and color lights, which can help speed up the discovery of brain diseases. The device uses replaceable drug cartridges and powerful Bluetooth low-energy technology to target specific neurons for prolonged periods.
Researchers blocked dopamine receptors in rats to reduce cocaine-seeking behavior, with varying longevity. The study reveals the unique roles of the basolateral and central amygdala in cocaine reward behaviors.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered that anemonefish undergo male-to-female sex changes first in their brains before gonads are affected. The transition occurs independently of the gonads and can take months or years to complete.
Scientists have discovered that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes use both vision and smell to track their victims, with CO2 affecting the responses of neurons in visual centers. This finding has significant implications for understanding mosquito-borne diseases and developing effective control measures.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown pathway connecting the hypothalamus and midbrain that drives defensive behaviors in mice. Further research on this pathway could increase understanding of anxiety disorders.
Researchers at The City College of New York used a mathematical model to study how the brain transitions from consciousness to unconscious behavior. They found that the subliminal state is the most robust part of the conscious network, indicating that it represents the core of the brain's processing system.
A comprehensive report finds that facial movements are inexact gauges of emotions and behaviors, challenging current technology's reliance on these signals. The study proposes a new model for studying complex emotional responses by measuring multiple indicators beyond facial cues.
Researchers developed an AI technology called STEFTR to estimate animal behavioral states and extract features from trajectories. The method achieved over 90% accuracy using only tens of animal trajectories, revealing experience-dependent changes in specific behaviors.
Research in mice suggests that defective potassium channels involved in pain detection can cause headaches and may be a target for future migraine treatments. The study found that the channels, specifically TRESK, regulate pain in facial sensory neurons, making them a promising area of focus for headache research.
Researchers at Stanford University found that lovebirds can navigate through extreme crosswinds in both bright and dark environments, challenging long-held assumptions about bird navigation. By stabilizing their gaze and twisting their necks, the birds actively control their flight towards a light beacon.
A new study found that exposure to blue light at night can raise blood sugar levels and increase sugar consumption in male rats. The researchers suggest limiting screen time at night or using apps and night mode features to mitigate this effect.
Researchers found that food activates the vagus nerve to stimulate hunger neurons, while alcohol suppresses their activity directly through the bloodstream. This divergence in neural pathways helps explain why food and alcohol have distinct effects on behavior and motivation.
Researchers at Columbia University have successfully controlled a visual behavior in mice by activating specific groups of neurons in their visual cortex. The study used high-resolution optogenetics and two-photon calcium imaging to identify and target individual neurons, demonstrating the causal role of neuronal ensembles in behavior.
Prehistoric abstract patterns are processed by brain areas recognizing objects and activating language processing regions. The findings support the hypothesis that ancestors linked tracings to symbols, possibly with symbolic meaning.
Researchers model how octopus arms make decisions, finding a bottom-up decision mechanism that coordinates actions without brain input. The study sheds light on the diversity of cognition in the world and the universe.
University of Arizona researchers have identified a network of neurons within the amygdala that coordinate with other brain regions to regulate eating behaviors. The findings could help alleviate disease-induced appetite loss or over-eating, which can negatively impact quality of life and treatment success.
A study analyzing nearly 400,000 food reviews found that many people think today's foods are too sweet, with sweet being the most frequently mentioned taste quality. The researchers used machine learning to identify words related to taste and found that over-sweetness was mentioned 25 times more often than under-sweetness.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a key cluster of neurons in the mouse brain responsible for producing ultrasonic 'songs.' By controlling these neurons, scientists can make a mouse sing or not on command. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms that allow humans to form speech and communication sounds.
A new neural circuit related to VTAGABA+ neurons mediates visually evoked innate defensive responses, involving the SC Glut+_ VTAGABA+_ CeA pathway. This discovery provides insights into potential mechanisms of survival across species and maladaptive behavior in fear- and anxiety-related mental disorders.
Researchers at the University of South Florida have identified a potential new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease, an antagonist that blocks specific interactions between apoE and amyloid precursor protein. This peptide antagonist, 6KApoEp, was shown to reduce beta amyloid accumulation and tau pathologies in the brain.
A new study from Professor Doug VanderLaan's lab found evidence for at least four different subgroups of men, each with distinct biomarkers associated with same-sex attractions. The study suggests that there are multiple and distinct pathways influencing male sexual orientation in men.
Researchers now believe that beauty preferences are partly an effect of a rudimentary cognitive process. The perception of attractiveness has fluctuated over time, influenced by both physical features and environmental factors.
AAAS warns against outdated stereotypes in animal research, emphasizing the importance of using both sexes equally. The study finds that female animals do not inherently produce more variable data than males, and highlights the need for scientists to adopt a more inclusive approach.
A study suggests that Leonardo da Vinci, the iconic artist, might have had ADHD due to his chronic procrastination and difficulty completing projects. His exceptional creativity and achievements across art and science could be linked to this condition.
A new article in Neuron presents a model of working memory that captures its flexibility through high-dimensional random networks and structured sensory networks. The model suggests a tradeoff between flexibility and capacity in working memory.
Researchers tested natural and synthetic acoustic stimuli to determine their effectiveness in deterring bald eagles from flying into wind turbines. The study found that eagles were more responsive to natural calls than synthetic sounds, particularly a 'crow mobbing' signal.
People with strong life purpose are more likely to accept health messages and experience less decisional conflict. A study found that those with a stronger sense of purpose have less activity in brain regions associated with conflict-processing, making it easier for them to make healthier choices.
A study found that mice infected with Zika virus during late gestation exhibited behaviors similar to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Children exposed to the virus during the 2015-16 epidemic may be at increased risk for developmental disorders, including ADHD and brain abnormalities.
A recent study by George Washington University researchers found a connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and cortical under-connectivity and cognitive impairment in DiGeorge/22q11 Deletion Syndrome. Restoration of mitochondrial function through antioxidant therapy restored connectivity and behavioral deficits.
The study provides new insights into the functional role of the PPC in decision-making, showing that it plays an essential role in making judgments about unknown sensory stimuli. The researchers used a novel behavioral technique and precise manipulation of neuronal activity to demonstrate the causal role of the PPC during decision-making.
A study found that transplanting gut bacteria from vulnerable rats to non-stressed rats altered depressive-type behaviors, while also causing brain inflammation. The researchers believe this may lead to probiotic treatments for human psychiatric disorders like depression.
Scientists at UCSF have discovered a type of neuron called VIP interneurons that play a crucial role in anxiety-driven decision-making. By shutting off signals from these cells, researchers found they can reduce anxious behavior, offering potential insights into treating brain disorders.
A study found a potential link between autistic-like behaviour in adult mice and exposure to fluoxetine, a common antidepressant, in the womb. The researchers identified a treatment that improved memory loss and social interactions.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a process to use magnetics with brain-like networks to program and teach devices to better generalize about different objects. The technology has the potential to improve object recognition tasks, enabling robots to distinguish between thousands of products in a store.
Researchers used deep brain imaging to study amygdala activity in mice, revealing two large antagonistic sets of neurons that encode opposing moment-to-moment state changes. The findings suggest a complex neural basis for internal states like anxiety, which may have implications for understanding human anxiety disorders.
Researchers at Yale University identified a possible biological cause for behavioral disorders in kids with autism: altered emotion regulation. They found reduced brain connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex in autistic children exhibiting disruptive behavior.
Researchers identified the posterior tail of the dorsal striatum as a critical region for integrating sound and reward signals. The study found that signals from two parallel pathways are combined to guide behavior towards the best reward, with enhanced integration in the posterior striatum.
A major study by the Ontario Child Health Study found that one in five Ontario children and youth suffer from a mental disorder, with a significant increase in anxiety and depression. The study also revealed that many children have contact with other health providers and settings, often through schools.
A recent study from Binghamton University found that negative behaviors like substance abuse can lead to a cycle of poor lifestyle choices, mental distress, and low grades. Positive behaviors, on the other hand, support brain chemistry profiles that promote mood maturity and rational thinking.
A new study found that female rats exposed to maternal immune activation during pregnancy exhibit autism- and schizophrenia-like behaviors, similar to their male siblings. The researchers argue that this limitation may contribute to conflicting results in the field of psychiatric disorders.
Research on Caenorhabditis elegans reveals dopamine's role in sex-specific behaviors, such as food finding and mating strategies. The study demonstrates how dopamine acts through different molecular pathways to give rise to these differences.
Researchers at Duke University have developed an AI-powered algorithm that can accurately identify and segment neurons from video recordings in minutes, comparable to human experts. This breakthrough has significant implications for real-time behavioral studies and could accelerate progress in neuroscience experiments.
Researchers found that sensory cortex signals can cause mice to stop actions, while motor cortex signals can enhance performance. This discovery sheds light on abnormal signaling in neurological and psychiatric disorders.