Articles tagged with Behavioral Neuroscience
A new AI method, DISK, helps recover missing data in animal behavior recordings, enabling more accurate analysis of neuroscience experiments. This technology, developed by a team of researchers, can analyze movements at sub-second scales and provide real-time estimations of data quality.
A Rice University study found that financial worries shape bedtime behaviors and predict poor sleep quality. The research identified "stress-before-bed behaviors" as a key mechanism linking economic worry and job insecurity to declining sleep health. Practicing healthy sleep hygiene behaviors can help break the stress-sleep cycle.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth have successfully used transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) to change the function of a deep region of the human brain, specifically the nucleus accumbens. This tiny element is triggered by enjoyable experiences and helps us learn behaviours that lead to rewards.
A study found that when people work together on a shared task, their brains process information in similar ways. After an initial period of synchronized neural activity, the alignment of brain activity increased as the pairs worked together and followed agreed-upon rules.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that the same dopamine mechanism responsible for drug addiction also controls natural behavioral fatigue. Researchers used male fruit flies to demonstrate that desensitization of D2R receptors leads to a decrease in motivation and interest.
Researchers at UTA are exploring how guided cognitive training can improve brain performance, particularly in navigation and memory. The study found that functional brain changes support behavioral differences, rather than increased brain volume.
A study from the Champalimaud Foundation found that when fruit flies are deprived of essential amino acids, their brains upregulate two olfactory receptor genes involved in smell, leading to a refined sense of smell that guides them to protein-rich yeast and gut bacteria. This interplay between smell and taste regulates feeding behavior.
A study published in Nature found that hunger can trigger aggression in female mice towards pups, especially when their reproductive cycle is in a certain stage. The researchers discovered that hunger information from the hypothalamus affects the brain's medial preoptic area, stimulating pup-directed aggression.
A new MIT study found that a theta-frequency brain wave scans the mental image and a region of the cortex maps visual information. The researchers observed that performance depends on the phase of this wave when the changed square appears, and the vertical location on the screen of that target square.
Scientists at the German Primate Center discovered that the brain reorganizes itself to control motor prostheses in a virtual environment. The findings suggest that different regions of the brain jointly reflect corrected movement commands, rather than separate components for expected results and error signals.
The Ebbinghaus illusion shows that perception is not a mirror of reality but a construction of the brain. Research on fish and birds reveals diverse perceptual strategies, with guppies closely mirroring human perception and ring doves showing variability in their responses.
A new study found that sniffer dogs' performance in real-world scenarios is highly variable and dependent on factors like region, day, and explosive type. The research suggests that limited access to explosive training materials is a primary challenge for teams, highlighting the need for wider access to improve detection performance
A new study reveals that astrocytes, a type of glial cell, are responsible for stabilizing memories through repeated engagement. The researchers found that Fos activity in astrocytes only occurs during recall, and that these cells can be activated to produce stable memories.
Researchers propose that neural activity in each animal becomes linked through perception, allowing individuals to maintain bearings towards others relative to stable features in the environment. This synchronization gives rise to spontaneous alignment and collective movement.
Researchers have identified four distinct profiles of Nonverbal Learning Disability, each with different strengths and challenges. The study suggests that current diagnostic criteria may be too broad, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches to care for children with NVLD.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a type of neuron in the orbital region of the frontal cortex that is most active when a decision outcome is unknown, suggesting these neurons play a crucial role in learning and mental flexibility. The discovery could aid the development of new treatments for rigid thought patterns such as anxiety an...
Researchers at OIST investigate the neural basis of social hierarchy in male mice, identifying brain cells involved in determining dominance. The study found that the 'loser effect' is attributed to activity of certain brain cells, called cholinergic interneurons, and has implications for understanding human social behaviors.
The Neuropixels Ultra probe overcomes technical challenges in recording individual cells across multiple brain regions. It detects twice as many brain cells and distinguishes specific subtypes, enabling scientists to decode and track brain cell performance related to visual stimuli.
Researchers discovered that a group of neurons controlling aggression in males are turned off in non-pregnant females but switch on when they become mothers. Hormones like oxytocin and prolactin powerfully activate these neurons.
Researchers discovered seals can detect size differences of just 17.6mm between vortex rings, helping them identify fish escape directions. This ability may allow seals to outmaneuver fleeing fish.
A new MUSC study found that machine learning can analyze brain activity images to identify smokers most likely to benefit from targeted rTMS sessions, leading to improved effectiveness and reduced side effects. The research uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans to detect changes in blood flow and measure brain activity.
The study found that a specific spinal circuit is involved in both ejaculation and arousal, and integrates sensory inputs to adjust its output based on the animal's internal state. The researchers also discovered that Gal⁺ neurons receive sensory input from the penis and can trigger ejaculation, but their effects are suppressed by brai...
Researchers have developed a miniaturized microscope capable of real-time, high-resolution imaging of brain activity in mice. The device uses a novel neural network to reconstruct images in 3D and is nearly the size of a grape.
Researchers discovered that humans treat a robotic hand as part of their body schema when working together on tasks, particularly when the robot's gestures are synchronized with those of humans. The study paves the way for better-designed robots that can interact more intuitively with humans.
Researchers used zebrafish with a mutation in the ube3a gene to investigate how environmental factors affect social behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The study found that environmental adjustments could hold therapeutic potential for ASD-related behavioral challenges.
Researchers created a comprehensive brain-wide activity map of decision-making in mice, revealing that signals are distributed across multiple brain regions. The study challenges traditional hierarchical views and highlights the importance of prior expectations in guiding behavior.
Researchers created the first brain-wide map of decision-making at single-cell resolution in a mammal using mice turning tiny steering wheels. The dataset reveals distributed neural networks guiding decision-making across 279 brain regions in 139 mice.
A UCLA study reveals how a region of the medial prefrontal cortex integrates information across the brain to coordinate physiological and behavioral responses. The findings could help develop targeted therapies for stress-related and social dysfunction disorders.
Researchers at MLU and University of Münster show that CBT leads to measurable changes in brain structure, particularly in areas responsible for emotion processing, and increases grey matter volume in the amygdala and hippocampus.
A new UCLA study found that the optimal level of emotional response while listening to music influences memory, with too little or too much arousal having opposite effects. Music can become a powerful therapeutic tool for improving learning and memory in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and PTSD.
Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center and University College Dublin has revealed key insights into multisensory integration in the brain. The study found that when changes occur in both visual and auditory inputs, auditory and visual decision processes unfold in parallel but come together in the motor system.
Researchers successfully transferred a gift-giving courtship behavior from Drosophila subobscura to Drosophila melanogaster by manipulating a single gene in insulin-producing neurons. This study represents the first example of transferring behavior between species through genetic manipulation.
A new study found that tolcapone increases activity in the prefrontal cortex during self-control tasks, associated with better behavioral control and reduced alcohol consumption. The findings suggest that medications increasing prefrontal dopamine could be a promising lead for treating alcohol use disorder.
Researchers found that a single amino acid substitution in the ADSL enzyme affects its stability and expression, contributing to modern human differences in behavior. The study suggests that this change may have provided an evolutionary advantage in certain tasks.
Researchers developed a personalized brain stimulation system powered by AI to safely enhance concentration from home. The system, which uses non-invasive brain stimulation and adaptive AI, showed significant improvements in sustained attention and learning abilities.
Neuroscientist Sora Shin is studying how early-life trauma shapes brain circuit function and contributes to uncontrolled rage, a public health issue linked to psychiatric disorders and societal challenges. Her research could lead to novel treatment strategies for trauma-related aggression.
The largest neuroscience event will convene in San Diego from November 15-19, featuring over 10,000 presentations on various topics. Registered journalists will gain access to cutting-edge research, expert interviews, and press-only events.
A study found that evaluators' musical experience influences the sight-over-sound effect, reducing its impact for those with auditory expertise. The study used Japanese high school brass band competitions and found no significant evidence of the effect in musicians, but a stronger presence in non-musicians.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found transient gray matter decline in individuals isolated for extended periods in Antarctica, potentially linked to sleep, exercise, and cognition. The study's findings suggest a possible relationship between prolonged isolation and changes in brain structure.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University are using a genetically tractable model organism, C. elegans, to dissect the cellular pathways impacted by amphetamines. The study aims to identify novel regulators of dopamine release and genes that mediate amphetamine's effects independently of traditional dopamine mechanisms.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a brain circuit that gives physical pain its emotional tone, revealing a potential target for treating chronic and affective pain conditions. The study found that a group of neurons in the thalamus can mediate the emotional side of pain in mice.
This special collection aims to bring together cutting-edge research on cognitive aging, exploring its cellular and molecular underpinnings, as well as psychosocial and environmental factors. The collection seeks to foster a holistic understanding of how cognitive function changes with age.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that genetic diversity within groups of fruit flies improves their ability to evade predators and forage more efficiently. The research team identified a key gene, Ptp99A, that regulates group behavior and promotes survival performance.
Researchers pioneer a new AI method to uncover cognitive strategies in decision-making, revealing suboptimal behavioral patterns. The study uses small neural networks to predict animal choices with accuracy comparable to larger neural networks.
Early life exposure to perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) may increase anxiety-related behaviors and memory deficits in male mice. Researchers found that males exposed to higher doses of PFHxA showed mild developmental changes, including decreased activity levels and increased anxiety-like behaviors.
Researchers found that rats with shorter second digits exhibit stronger sexual behavior, including a preference for female scent and frequent ejaculations. This study reveals the impact of fetal hormone exposure on brain development and highlights the link between body and mind.
Researchers developed a simplified model to explain visual processing in the primary visual cortex, achieving 75% accuracy with fewer layers. The 'minimodels' for individual neurons are just as powerful as large models, providing an accurate and interpretable way to study visual computation.
Researchers at OIST introduce a mouse motion capture method using marker-based approach to track high-quality data on complex movements. The method avoids pitfalls associated with smaller animals, enabling detailed studies of neuroscientific and physiological foundations of mouse movement.
Research finds that mild physical activity affects brainstem dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons, leading to improved executive function. Blink frequency increases in individuals showing cognitive benefits from exercise.
Researchers suggest that brains reach a critical state to learn, remember, and think, which can be measured using fMRI technology. This framework offers a new perspective on neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, which disrupt the brain's ability to maintain criticality.
A research team analyzed YouTube videos of sleeping cats to find that two thirds sleep on their left side. This bias is thought to be an evolutionary strategy, favoring the use of the right hemisphere of the brain for spatial awareness and threat processing after waking.
Researchers have discovered two signaling molecules that can reprogram ant duties, mirroring gene-expression patterns found in eusocial naked mole-rats. These findings suggest a convergent molecular mechanism dating back hundreds of millions of years, hinting at the evolutionary depth of social behavior.
Researchers discovered that exploring environments can encode visual features, speeding up learning when tasks arise. The study found that unsupervised learning occurs even without specific goals or tasks.
A new study by the University of Exeter warns that neuroscience training for teachers can lead to a loss of autonomy and critical thinking. The research found that teachers in Chile who pursued neuroscience training felt it gave them professional legitimacy, but also created pseudo-experts.
A study found that children whose mothers experienced Superstorm Sandy during pregnancy showed distinct brain differences that could affect their emotional development. Prenatal exposure to extreme heat and climate events rewrote critical emotion regulation centers in the developing brain.
Researchers discovered that the brain's retrosplenial cortex (RSC) encodes competing navigation hypotheses in distinct neural activity patterns. These patterns allow animals to choose the correct path despite ambiguity, and can be used to compute how to reach a reward.
A study analyzing over 700,000 Reddit posts on autism reveals recurring topics such as music and social life, showcasing a supportive community that values differences. The research offers a new approach to understanding autism, shifting focus from disability to neurodiversity.
Professor Benedetti's research explores the intersection of genetics, environmental factors, and treatment response in mood disorders. His work has led to breakthroughs in chronotherapeutics and immuno-psychiatry, revealing crucial insights into immune-inflammatory mechanisms and gene variants influencing brain function.
Researchers found that harbour seals can determine their heading from optic flow fields, even in cloudy or opaque water. The team created a gaming challenge for the seals, using particle simulations to show them which direction they were moving in, and found that they consistently chose the correct direction.
A new UCLA Health study found that maternal warmth in early childhood predicts better physical and mental health outcomes for teens by shaping their perceptions of social safety. Children who experience more maternal warmth at age 3 have more positive social safety schemas, leading to improved health outcomes at age 17.