Research on the brain basis of behavior. Covers reward and pleasure signals, attention in children, taste circuitry, and adaptive AI models.
A Duke University study found a single chemical receptor in the brain responsible for OCD symptoms in mice. The receptor, mGluR5, was found to be overactive in mice with Sapap3 gene deletion, which mimics human OCD. When blocked, symptoms abated immediately.
Researchers found that brain networks mediating comfort food-induced stress relief differ between males and females, with unique effects in the female brain across the hormonal cycle. Female rats experienced reduced stress hormone response to a sweet sugar drink only during the proestrus/estrus stage.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that obese mice are more likely to overeat in response to environmental cues, driven by changes in the brain. The study suggests a neurobiological account for why obese individuals may be particularly vulnerable to food signals.
A new study by Michigan State University neuroscientist Alexander Johnson finds that obese mice are more likely to overeat in response to environmental cues due to altered brain responses. The study suggests a psychological and neurobiological account for why obese individuals may be vulnerable to food triggers.
Scientists track brain-cell activity in mice to gain insight into how the brain creates a map to a destination. The study found that two sublayers of cells in the hippocampus process different types of learning, with one layer creating a stable internal map and the other layer updating it during navigation.
A study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that long-term marijuana users show a decreased response in their brain's reward system, making them more susceptible to addiction. This decrease can lead to a blunted emotional response, also known as anhedonia.
A new meta-analysis in Biological Psychiatry reports associations between sleep disturbances and long sleep duration with increased levels of inflammatory markers. Treatments targeting sleep behavior may be a strategy for reversing inflammation and reducing risk of inflammatory illnesses.
Scientists have pinpointed D2 neurons as key players in regulating drinking behavior, discovering they discourage action and inhibit excessive consumption. Activating these 'no-go' neurons could help prevent problem drinking behavior, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University developed a new technology to improve imaging of neuronal activity in the brain, capturing images up to 9.5 square millimeters - a 10 times larger area than previously possible.
Researchers mapped the brains of teenagers with serious antisocial behavior problems, finding significant differences in structure compared to peers. Childhood-onset and adolescent-onset conduct disorders showed distinct patterns of brain development, highlighting the importance of early interventions.
A study by Vanderbilt University neuroscientist Suzana Herculano-Houzel found that birds have more neurons packed into their small brains than mammals or primates. The avian brain's smaller and denser neurons enable complex cognitive behaviors, rivaling those of primates.
Researchers tracked macaque monkeys' neural activity as they weighed options for juice rewards, predicting their choices based on brain patterns. The study sheds light on internal decision-making processes and could lead to implants to treat addiction, anxiety, and depression.
Researchers studied children with ADHD playing a game with changing rules, finding they struggled to adjust their behavior. Typically developing children adapted quickly, while those with ADHD showed only slight changes.
Researchers monitored nerve impulses in awake mice to study the flow of information between sensory perception and behavior. They discovered that different layers of the cortex handle impulses in unique ways while remaining coordinated with each other.
Researchers identified the mediodorsal thalamus as a key brain area involved in rapid information processing and decision-making. The study found that monkeys with lesions to this area struggled to adapt their behavior and make informed choices.
A new study found that early exposure to nicotine can trigger genetic changes affecting brain cell connections, leading to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other behavioral problems. Maternal smoking has been linked to these conditions, and the study provides a possible explanation for its long-term effects.
A new UCLA study found that teenagers' brains activate the same reward circuitry when seeing high and low social media likes, influencing their behavior. The study suggests that social media can have a significant impact on teens' willingness to conform and engage in risk-taking behavior.
Researchers discovered that endocannabinoids reduce activity in the OFC, promoting habit formation. This study suggests that targeting the brain's endocannabinoid system may alleviate suffering in disorders involving habitual control.
A study by Concordia University researchers found that cues associated with alcohol can trigger behaviors leading to addiction. The study used lab rats conditioned to associate a visual cue with ethanol, showing the rats began interacting with the cue rather than waiting for the reward.
Immune cells build a molecular memory of their first meal after eating a dying neighboring cell, shaping their inflammatory behavior. This discovery may lead to novel therapies for inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and arthritis.
UC San Diego scientists create innovative imaging system to study brain activity in free-moving fruit flies, providing first glimpse into neural processes underlying mating, learning, memory, and more. The 'Flyception' technique enables real-time monitoring of brain activity at unprecedented speed and precision.
Researchers discovered that differences in male and female brains develop from a ground state containing features of both sexes. Sex-specific wiring in the brain results in dimorphic behavior, with distinct patterns emerging in males and females.
Researchers at the University of Sussex discovered a genetic link between impulsivity and teenage binge-drinking, identifying a specific gene variant called KALRN. This finding may help understand why some young people struggle with controlling their urges for risky behavior like binge drinking.
Researchers identified a specific gene, KALRN, linked to impulsive behavior and binge drinking in teenagers. The study used a two-step approach to investigate genetic factors contributing to early experimentation with and abuse of alcohol.
A study from McGill University found that repeat drunk drivers and speeding offenders have unique emotional and behavioral profiles, making prevention strategies more effective when tailored to their characteristics. The research suggests that high-risk drivers respond better to targeted interventions addressing their specific traits.
Alexandre Pouget, a renowned expert in neural coding and spatial representations, will receive the prize for his work on probabilistic inference and its applications. Pouget's research focuses on general theories of representation and computation in neural circuits, with a strong emphasis on neural theories of probabilistic inference.
A Wayne State University Ph.D. student has been awarded a prestigious NIH fellowship to investigate the effects of stress on cigarette smokers. The research aims to understand how stress impairs brain function and increase the likelihood of relapse, with the goal of developing better treatments for patients.
A multidisciplinary team led by USC Viterbi Professor Maryam Shanechi aims to develop brain-machine interfaces enhancing human decision making through multimodal data modeling and multi-sensory processing.
Researchers found that observing others' risk-taking behavior changes one's own attitude towards risk, with the brain responding to this change in activity levels. The study also found that participants could learn and predict the risk-taking preferences of an observed peer.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that adult-onset offenders have a history of anti-social behavior from childhood and are more likely to struggle with mental health issues. The study, which tracked nearly 1,000 New Zealanders, suggests that the court system may not be addressing the root causes of crime in adults.
Researchers created a mathematical model that reproduces the animals' internal calculations, revealing the existence of a 'separatrix angle' that changes throughout the day. The model predicts real-life behaviors in flight simulators and provides insights into monarch navigation.
New research reveals that stressful events result in DNA de-methylation, leading to the suppression of gene expression and facilitating adaptive behavioral responses. The study also found a link between SAM, a compound produced by the liver, and stress-related responses in the brain.
A new study has found that neuroligin-2 may contribute to chronic pain by disrupting the body's inhibitory networks. This discovery provides a second theory for what drives the GABAergic system's loss of efficacy in people with chronic pain.
A CU-Boulder study found that daily monetary incentives increased fruit and vegetable consumption among participants. Internal motivation to eat such produce also increased over time, suggesting a potential direction for future incentive research in terms of psychological factors related to changing behavior.
Researchers at University of Oregon developed a line of transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein to visualize neural activity. The technique allows for real-time imaging of brain-wide activity across cortex, enabling studies of sensory processing, cognition, and brain development.
Researchers identified a specific brain circuit involving DR2 nerve cells that predicts risk-taking preferences in rats. The findings expand on human research, suggesting the circuit may also be relevant to humans.
Researchers found that pyruvate increases brain energy reserves and improves cognitive function in mice, including enhanced exploratory behavior and spatial learning. The findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Max Planck Florida scientists have optimized techniques for studying motor learning in neurons of the cerebellum, enabling prolonged assessment of neural activity. This breakthrough allows for further characterization of continuously engaged neurons during motor activity and normal behavior.
Scientists discovered the chemical circuits and mechanisms in the brain that separate food consumption from cravings. The study found that dopamine is involved in the approach or craving phase, while orexin-A is linked to consumption. These findings could lead to more specific and effective treatments for overeating and drug addiction
Researchers discovered a 'circadian circuit' in which clock neurons send signals to the central brain areas that regulate activity and sleep. This mechanism allows time information to be transmitted through the brain.
Research reveals that dopamine regulates both rewarding and aversive behaviors in mice, enabling them to learn and remember to avoid negative situations. The study's findings have implications for understanding post-traumatic stress syndrome.
A study published in Nordic Psychology suggests that ageism can have a significant impact on lifespan, regardless of age. Negative attitudes towards aging are linked to a shorter lifespan, highlighting the need for awareness and debate about this complex issue.
A study by UCSB psychologists found that challenging a person's belief in free will corrupts intuitive cooperation and leads to impulsive selfishness, but allows for recovery with time. Participants who were asked about their agreement with the statement 'I have free will' showed significant differences in their level of cooperation.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that writing a message to the perpetrator can disrupt the chain of unfair behavior, calming negative emotions and leading to fairer interactions. The researchers suggest this strategy as a way to stop the spread of injustice.
Two NYU faculty, Marc Gershow and Katherine Nagel, have been awarded Sloan Foundation research fellowships. The fellowships provide $55,000 over two years to support their research in fields such as neuroscience and physics.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered how bats determine what's worth paying attention to, finding that their brains selectively respond to certain sounds. This discovery has implications for understanding how humans focus attention and process sensory information.
Researchers studied 23 active cocaine users and found they exhibited an impaired ability to adjust their behavior and were less fulfilled once they achieved their desired reward. This disconnect between craving for a drug and regulating behavior may be key to breaking the cycle of addiction.
Researchers found structural differences in brain connectivity match behavioral differences between men and women, with stronger motor skills linked to male performance and social cognition skills linked to female strengths. The study provides new insights into sex differences in the brain and behavior, potentially advancing treatment ...
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have found a potential treatment for depressive-like symptoms in alcoholics using ketamine and an endocannabinoid system booster. The study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, validates a mouse model of alcoholism and shows promise for developing novel treatments for mood disorders.
Cognitive neuroscientist Rosie Cowell is using a five-year grant to develop and test a theory of memory interaction with fine-grained visual perception. She will use computational modeling and memory experiments to investigate how the medial temporal lobe affects both memory and visual perception.
New research by Duke University scientists suggests that habits like sugar addiction manifest in the brain's basal ganglia circuitry, leading to a 'go' signal that primes cravings. The study found that mice with formed habits had altered brain activity patterns, including a change in timing between go and stop signals.
A study by McMaster University found that teenagers with food allergies are more likely to have depression, anxiety, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to their peers without allergies. Mothers of teens with food allergies are also more likely to report these emotional and behavioral problems.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that adding flashing lights and music to a 'rat casino' model led to problem gambling behavior in rats. Blocking a specific dopamine receptor corrected this behavior, suggesting a common biological cause for risky decision-making across vices.
David Freedman, a neuroscientist from the University of Chicago Medical Center, has been awarded the 2016 Troland Research Award for his groundbreaking research on how the brain learns and recognizes visual categories. His work reveals that individual neurons in the parietal and frontal cortices can encode information about categories.
The brain initially represents and decides between competing action options by planning multiple movements simultaneously. Researchers found that participants planned a movement for each potential target and executed these movements simultaneously when the target was uncertain.
A new study found that conveying emotions affects brain's creativity network, with 'happy' and 'sad' music evoking different neural patterns. The research suggests emotion plays a crucial role in creative states, with varying degrees of activation in brain regions.
Scientists recorded 3-D footage of neural activity in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a worm species with a nervous system containing just 302 neurons. The study revealed surprising correlations between neural activity and behavior, including turning movements.
Harvard Medical School scientists developed a computational technique to analyze mouse movements, organizing them into distinct pose sequences with their own syllables and grammar. This breakthrough solves the problem of objectively studying complex animal behavior without human observers.
The UCLA-developed FOCUS program significantly improved the ability of military families to cope with deployment-related stresses and combat injuries. The eight-week program reduced anxiety and depression by half and improved family dynamics, particularly in areas such as communication and problem-solving skills.
Scientists developed implantable probes with tiny LEDs that can control and record individual neurons, shedding light on neural communication. The new technology could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, which affects hundreds of millions worldwide.