Research on the brain basis of behavior. Covers reward and pleasure signals, attention in children, taste circuitry, and adaptive AI models.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new memristor that can model synaptic behavior in hardware, allowing for exploration of competition and cooperation among neurons. The device enables controlled changes in conductance, mimicking the strengthening or weakening of connections between neurons.
Researchers at Sainsbury Wellcome Centre found that male mice recognize pups through a mixture of pheromones and multisensory cues, but distinct signals trigger infanticide and parental behavior. This discovery advances our understanding of social cue recognition in animals.
A Caltech-led team of researchers has identified individual neurons that monitor our behavior, catching errors and correcting them quickly. The study provides rare recordings of these neurons, which are involved in error monitoring and have implications for psychiatric diseases like obsessive-compulsive disorder.
A UCSF study found that kindergarten friendships can promote better behavior in children with harshly parented backgrounds. Warm relationships with peers and teachers also mitigate adverse effects, suggesting that treating oppositional defiant disorder outside the family environment may be helpful.
Hunger increases risk-taking behavior in snails by altering brain control mechanisms, allowing them to ingest potentially harmful substances. The study's findings have major societal relevance, highlighting the importance of motivation in controlling feeding behavior.
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.
A study by researchers at Linköping University found that human pharmaceuticals altering serotonin levels change cricket activity and aggression. Crickets exposed to these drugs showed decreased activity and aggression compared to those with no exposure.
A new study reveals that coral reef fish employ a sequence of well-defined decision rules to generate evasion behavior in complex natural environments. The escape response is influenced by the perceived size and expansion rate of the threat stimulus, as well as the location of nearby safe shelter.
Spikeling, a low-cost DIY kit, simulates how nerve cells in the brain compute information, allowing for hands-on learning of neuroscience. The kit's open design and free availability aim to level the playing field in global science education, making complex concepts accessible to students worldwide.
Researchers found orangutans spontaneously manufactured hook tools out of straight wire, solving a complex problem that eludes young human children. The apes' innovation abilities were tested using a hook-bending task, where they successfully bent and unbent wires to retrieve rewards.
New analysis improves knowledge of physical, biological systems by studying time that components take to influence each other. Researchers developed formulas to understand how this affects synchronization in oscillator systems, which are common in nature and technology.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers identified a link between MIR-137 and complex brain disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. Mice lacking MIR-137 displayed learning and memory deficits, repetitive behaviors, and impaired sociability, suggesting potential treatment targets.
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.
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.
A neuronal circuit in nematode worms modulates locomotion by dopamine and neuropeptide signaling, findings that may provide insights into food-motivated behavior in humans. The study suggests that similar inhibitory balancing mechanisms may be present in mammals.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are part of a national effort to understand the neural circuits behind learning, memory, and behavior. Four scientists have received grants to study topics ranging from mental health to opioid addiction.
Researchers discovered a new brain mechanism underlying salience processing that facilitates associative learning and survival. The periventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is activated by salient stimuli, including novel stimuli and reinforcing cues.
A new study suggests that our brains can rewire and change in response to new experiences, even when we're not consciously forming new memories. This process of plasticity enables us to better perceive and interpret the world, with potential implications for brain disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers found that the brain's premotor cortex uses a 'neural scratch pad' to calculate fine adjustments, eliminating the need for physical change in the brain. This discovery may simplify the development of brain-computer interfaces controlling prosthetic limbs.
Researchers found that mothers adjust their behavior when a mid-ranking male rapidly rises in rank, reducing association with him and seeking stable high-rank males for protection. This highlights the females' sensitivity to the relative risks posed by different males to their infants.
Researchers found greater nerve cell death in Cesarean-born mice, associated with reduced neurons and altered behavior, but no effect on overall brain size or development
Research by Johannes Kohl identified the medial preoptic area (MPOA) neurons bearing Galanin as critical for parental behavior in mice. The study found that individual pools of these neurons control specific components of parenting, such as motor control and natural reward circuitry.
A recent study by Johannes Kohl highlights the function of a small population of neurons in the medial preoptic area that control parenting behavior in mice. The research found that individual pools of these neurons were activated during discrete parenting events, suggesting they control specific components of parenting.
Scientists discovered a genetic mutation in the CHRNA5 gene that contributes to nicotine dependence and relapse. The study found that this mutation increases nicotine consumption and rates of relapse, offering hope for developing new therapies to combat tobacco addiction.
Dr. Hyungbae Kwon of Max Planck Florida Institute has received a $6.8 million Pioneer Award to study neuromodulators using light, aiming to understand internal brain state and its effects on sensation, perception, and cognition. The grant will help develop novel optogenetic approaches to dissect animal sensations and behaviors at highe...
Jonathan Kipnis, a UVA neuroscientist, receives $5.6 million in funding to advance his research on the relationship between the brain and immune system. His work aims to understand how the immune system interacts with the brain and potentially develop new treatments for neurological diseases.
A study by neurobiologists at UChicago sheds light on the grim final days of a female octopus after reproduction. The researchers found that the optic gland produces distinct molecular signals that control a mother octopus' behavior, leading to its decline and eventual death.
A new study explores why people keep eating despite feeling full, showing that two tiny clusters of cells battle for control and the opioid system gets involved. Researchers found that stimulating POMC neurons decreases appetite, while AgRP neurons drive eating when both are activated.
Scientists studied octopus genome and behavior in response to MDMA, finding similarities with human serotonin binding transporter. Octopuses exhibited pro-social behaviors when exposed to the drug, hugging cages and displaying affectionate tendencies similar to humans.
A new Oxford University study finds that parenting interventions are just as effective in school-age children as they are in younger children. The research, published in Child Development, analyzed data from over 15,000 families worldwide and found no evidence to support the common belief that earlier intervention is more powerful.
Researchers at UNIGE successfully resynchronized neurons to correct desynchronization in neural networks, suppressing behavioral symptoms associated with schizophrenia. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, offers promising results for a new therapeutic approach targeting defective inhibitory neurons.
Researchers at Duke University discovered a neural circuit that enables the brain to predict motion based on past experiences and sensory inputs, mirroring Bayesian statistical inference. This discovery could improve our understanding of motor control and eye movements.
A new study published in Neurology shows that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects the mind, especially later in the disease, leading to cognitive and behavioral problems such as apathy, changes in eating behaviors, and loss of sympathy or empathy. People with ALS are recommended to be routinely screened for these issues.
A new study reveals that OLM cells in the hippocampus play a key role in controlling anxiety and risk-taking behavior. The manipulation of these cells can modulate anxiety and may lead to breakthroughs in treating pathological anxiety.
A new study aims to tailor behavioral therapy for co-occurring depression and obesity by analyzing how the brain responds to the intervention. The researchers will adapt an integrated behavioral therapy to target changes in brain function and health behaviors associated with better weight loss and depression outcomes.
Keith E. Whitfield, PhD, is recognized for his contributions to the study of aging and health disparities among older African Americans. He has published extensively on biobehavioral aspects of cognitive aging and has received numerous awards for his mentorship and research.
A new study found that a parental training program improved toddlers' physiological regulation and sensitivity towards their children, which can lead to better emotional and social development. The study showed that the program reduced foster care placements and improved parents' behavior.
A team of researchers from the University of Oregon has made a groundbreaking discovery about the neural circuitry that controls movement in fruit flies. By mapping the communications between a pair of brain neurons and motor neurons, they found that a single neuron can trigger both forward and backward motion.
Attention is not a steady focus, but rather a pulsing rhythm that cycles between periods of maximum concentration and broader situational awareness. This rhythmic structure of perception allows the brain to sample the environment and allocate resources efficiently.
Research suggests that policy strategies such as nutrition labeling, taxing sugar sweetened beverages, and promoting healthy environments can improve diets. The American College of Cardiology recommends these policies to address the complex dietary risk factor modification needed to reduce cardiovascular disease prevalence.
Researchers link vocal repertoire to brain region size in primates, finding a positive correlation between cortical association areas and vocal complexity. The study reveals the importance of specific brain regions in controlling vocal production, providing insight into human speech evolution.
Scientists discovered a link between polysialic acid and aggressive behavior in mice with psychiatric disorders. The absence of the enzyme ST8SIA2 reduced fear processing and anxiety, leading to abnormal aggression.
Researchers found that the left hemisphere of the boy's brain compensated for visual tasks, but he couldn't see the left half of the world. Despite losing parts of his visual system, UD performed normally on pattern perception and had age-appropriate intellect and language skills.
A study published in Cell Reports found that a child's brain can reorganize its visual system after losing parts of the visual cortex. The child, UD, had nearly half of his right hemisphere removed due to epilepsy, but his brain compensated by using the intact left hemisphere for tasks like facial recognition and object analysis.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that restored function to the olfactory system in genetically modified mice. The therapy increased cilia and sensory neuron responses, leading to restored connections between neurons and behaviors in odor-guided tasks.
A world-first study by QUT researchers concludes that men can experience Postcoital Dysphoria (PCD), leading to feelings of sadness and irritability following sex. The study found that 41% of participants reported experiencing PCD in their lifetime, with 20% reporting it in the previous four weeks.
New studies demonstrate that chemical exposure can alter animal behaviour, impacting food chains. Researchers designed experiments using amphipods to investigate effects of tank size and shape on exploratory behaviours, finding variations between species in response to light stimuli.
A study by University of Bonn researchers found that the 'anterior insular' brain region is more active in risk-averse individuals and less active in experienced stock traders. Risk optimism and tolerance also play a significant role in stock purchase decisions.
Researchers discovered that brain microglia clearance activity in different regions goes hand in hand with natural neuronal degeneration. Microglia can mistakenly attack healthy neurons if their 'eating' behavior is turned on inappropriately, leading to cellular changes associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
New research on the Neohelice granulata crab reveals that it combines visual information from both eyes to track moving targets. This complex binocular processing may be essential for capturing prey and interacting with other crabs.
Researchers at Columbia University identified neural-circuit activity in electric fish that enables the brain to tune out self-generated signals, allowing animals to focus on external stimuli. This mechanism may inform studies of sensory disorders like tinnitus, which disrupts the brain's ability to cancel out self-generated sounds.
Researchers found that the elephant-nose fish generates negative images to filter out its own electrical interference, enabling it to better detect external signals and navigate its environment. This ability was demonstrated through neural recordings and behavioral experiments.
Research suggests that antidepressant Prozac can alter brain circuit development in mice, leading to social and repetitive behaviors reminiscent of autism. Reversibility of these changes is uncertain, with some alterations permanently changed by fluoxetine exposure.
Researchers studied barn owls' brain and behavior while tracking dark dots on a screen, finding evidence of perceptual grouping. This ability, crucial for vision-based species, was previously only studied in primates.
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered a hierarchical system in the brain that organizes learned behavior, offering new insight into neurological diseases. The study found three levels of control in neuronal activity, providing potential therapeutic targets for disorders like Parkinson's disease and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Researchers developed a computational model that found serotonin boosts learning rates in mice, particularly in slow decision-making systems. The study suggests a possible link between serotonin and cognitive behavioral therapy, which is often effective when combined with SSRIs.
A Baylor University study found that negative behavior has a greater impact on individuals' well-being and relationship satisfaction during stressful life events. The research suggests that low doses of negative behavior can have a significant effect, while further increases in negativity have less impact.