Articles tagged with Behavioral Neuroscience
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Eight fellows have been selected for the prestigious fellowship program, which aims to encourage autism research as their chosen career path. The fellows will work with leading scientists and receive research training opportunities in various areas of autism spectrum disorders.
A study at UCSF has identified networks of nerve cells controlled by estrogen that influence male territorial behavior, challenging the view of single gender-related behaviors.
A Rutgers University research team has identified the mechanism that causes learning and memory formation during sleep. Short transient brain events called sharp wave ripples are responsible for consolidating memory and transferring learned information from the hippocampus to the neocortex, where long-term memories are stored.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that nicotine strengthens neuronal connections in the brain, creating memory associations between environmental cues and smoking behavior. This process is thought to underlie why former smokers often experience strong cravings when exposed to triggers such as bars or meals with friends.
Research suggests that red light can impact alertness at night via pathways other than the circadian system, contradicting previous assumptions about blue light's dominance. The study found that moderate levels of red light increase alertness in individuals, making it a viable alternative to blue light for improving nighttime alertness.
Valentin Dragoi, a neurobiology expert at UT Medical School at Houston, has been awarded a four-year, $1.2 million grant to study the signals of populations of neurons in different regions of the cerebral cortex. The project aims to understand how neuronal networks operate in both normal and dysfunctional states.
Rui Costa's team will study the neural mechanisms underlying goal-directed and habit-based decisions using cutting-edge techniques.
A new analysis by Jerome Siegel reveals that sleep's primary function is to regulate behavior and increase efficiency, rather than solely for brain maintenance or longevity. Sleep duration varies across species based on factors such as eating needs, migration requirements, and predator avoidance.
A study mapping brain activity networks in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) patients reveals distinct changes in communication between brain areas. AD patients show more random network organization, while FTLD patients display a more ordered structure, challenging the understanding of these diseases.
Researchers identified 66 genes involved in relapse, including those related to neuroplasticity and learning. The study used a heroin behavioral incubation model to mimic real-life situations that trigger relapse.
Researchers found a common genetic variation linked to aggression and destructive behavior in adults with developmental/intellectual disabilities. The study suggests that this variation may be associated with increased autism severity in individuals with the gene variant, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at UCLA have found a new explanation for why placebos work, citing genetics as the key factor. Genes that influence brain reward pathways may modulate the response to placebos, particularly in individuals with major depressive disorder.
A team of experts at Columbia University will conduct the largest ever study on suicide and mental health among military personnel, using $50 million in funding. The study aims to identify risk and protective factors for suicide among soldiers and provide a science base for effective interventions.
A new UCLA study examines parents' concerns about development, learning and behavior for young children of Mexican origin, identifying a significant association with family documentation status. The research highlights the need for timely access to primary care and reassurance from pediatric providers to address parental worries.
Researchers pinpointed the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala as the site where fear conditioning is encoded. The study sheds light on how fear memories are formed and may lead to new treatments for anxiety disorders.
Researchers used magnetic pulses to stimulate the dorsal premotor cortex, improving skill learning in volunteers. The study found that excitatory stimulation enhanced motor consolidation of new skills.
The Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation awards $500,000 to Hall, Rosbash, and Young for their groundbreaking discoveries on the molecular mechanisms controlling circadian rhythms in the nervous system. Their research revealed a transcriptional feedback loop that oscillates during the 24-hour cycle, driving daily behavior.
Researchers used MRI to compare brains of 38 people with dyslexia to a typical brain model, revealing differences in the right cerebellar declive and lentiform nucleus associated with varying language performance. These findings suggest different neuro-cognitive pathologies underlying dyslexia subtypes.
A recent study published by Faculty of 1000 Medicine discovered that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are higher in women who have recovered from anorexia. This suggests that low BDNF levels may be reversible and could potentially serve as a biomarker for recovery from eating disorders.
Researchers generated a novel kinase-dead mutant mouse of the CaMKII alpha gene that lacks its kinase activity, leading to severe deficits in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and behavioral learning. The findings support the idea that CaMKII alpha kinase activity is essential for memory functions.
Researchers at McMaster University found two types of males in the invasive round goby, including nest-guarding males and sneaker males that parasitize conventional males. This discovery may help scientists understand how to tackle the infestation of Great Lakes watersheds.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is launching a large-scale study to understand common health problems affecting seniors. The two-decade long study will follow 50,000 Canadians and explore biological, medical, psychological, social, and economic factors that impact their health over time.
A Rutgers study found that only 60% of Americans check their homes for recalled food products, and even fewer take action after finding a recall. The study suggests that personalizing communications about food recalls can increase consumer engagement.
Researchers found that dopamine neuron bursting activity is crucial for learning rewarding outcomes. The study suggests that the NMDA receptor plays a key role in regulating burst firing in dopamine neurons.
A new Harvard University study suggests that knowing how much a stranger enjoyed an experience can be more informative than personal experience in predicting future happiness. The research found that people made accurate predictions when asked about their enjoyment of unknown events after learning about the experiences of others.
The study, published in Science, suggests that neurons in the substantia nigra play a central role in reward-based learning. Participants who responded to unexpected financial rewards showed improved performance in probabilistic learning tasks.
Research at Yale University finds stress-related losses of synapses in the hippocampal region precede helpless behavior in depression and PTSD. Rapid-acting antidepressants may restore lost synapses for immediate relief from depressive symptoms.
A Brown University study found that the frontal lobe controls decision-making along a continuum from abstract to concrete, with damage affecting higher-level functions but not lower ones. The research suggests specific areas of the frontal cortex are required for different levels of abstract decision-making.
Study finds GTF2IRD1 contributes to visual-spatial performance while GTF2I plays a role in social behavior, shedding light on complex aspects of human behavior. The research used genetic analysis to identify the genes' effects on cognitive abilities and behavior, providing new insights into Williams syndrome.
A new study demonstrates that near-misses in gambling lead to significant brain activity and increased motivation, shedding light on the allure of gambling. The research found associations between near-miss activation and a subjective measure of gambling propensity.
Researchers at Children's National Medical Center have identified a specific group of precursor cells that develop into the amygdala, a critical brain region for emotional processing. The discovery sheds light on how the amygdala forms during development and could help understand autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers identified FKBP12, a protein regulating mTOR activity, as key to understanding autism and OCD in mice. The study found enhanced synaptic plasticity and contextual memory but also perseverative and repetitive behaviors, common in individuals with these disorders.
Scientists are studying gene regulation in ants to model human aging and behavior. Epigenetic changes, not DNA sequence alterations, may underlie differences in longevity and behavior among ant castes. The study aims to identify the molecular basis for these changes.
A new study shows that brain activity increases in the visual cortex when patients with macular degeneration focus on using other parts of their retina to compensate for their loss of central vision. The brain reorganizes its neural connections to process information from other parts of the eye.
A study found that cocaine-addicted individuals prefer drug-related images over neutral ones, challenging the assumption that pleasure drives drug choice. The tasks developed in this research can help clinicians monitor choice behavior in addicted individuals, potentially predicting treatment effectiveness and outcomes.
Children with social and academic problems in elementary school are more likely to engage in serious violent behavior later, due to parents withdrawing supervision and friends with deviant behavior. Successful early intervention can redirect paths of antisocial development to prevent violent behavior.
A study from McMaster University found that media coverage greatly influences public perception of infectious diseases, making them appear more threatening. Researchers discovered that diseases receiving frequent press attention, like bird flu, are perceived as more serious than those without similar coverage.
A recent study has found that anxiety levels in mice are directly influenced by the immune system, specifically through mast cells. Mice without mast cells showed reduced willingness to navigate open and high spaces, indicating lower anxiety levels.
Researchers have identified three new candidate genes for schizophrenia that may contribute to a better understanding of the disease. These genes are associated with brain function and are present in only 1% of schizophrenia patients, suggesting they play a significant role in its development.
Researchers found a correlation between motor task performance and myelin integrity, peaking in middle age before declining. Myelin breakdown may underlie cognitive decline and physical skills erosion, but therapeutic interventions could slow the process.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory demonstrate that spike timing in cortical neurons can influence behavior even at minuscule time intervals. The study suggests an alternative theory of information processing in the cortex, where information is encoded within the precise pattern of spiking rather than just the rate of spiking.
Researchers found that women place significant importance on altruistic traits when choosing a partner. Altruistic behavior was correlated with stronger preference for such traits in both men and women.
Scientists trained a species of moth to link specific scents with sugar water rewards, discovering that the interval between odor presentation and reward is crucial for learning. This process allows integration of neural activities and represents a key finding in understanding how associations are built between stimuli and behavior.
A new international study found that Indigenous Australian children who speak languages with few number words can still demonstrate strong numeracy skills based on quantity and spatial concepts. Their skills are equal to those of English-speaking Indigenous children.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that disrupting or erasing memories associated with drug use during recall can prevent relapse in recovering drug abusers. By blocking a brain chemical receptor important to learning and memory, scientists reduced drug-seeking behaviors in rats for up to four weeks.
Researchers found that people carrying a specific gene variation are more prone to anxiety and have an exaggerated startle reflex in response to unpleasant pictures. This suggests that genetic differences may play a role in regulating emotional arousal and contributing to anxiety disorders.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital linked genetics to brain reward circuitry and preference, revealing a connection between gene variants and brain activity. The study used brain imaging, genetics, and experimental psychology techniques to identify a correlation between the CREB1 gene variant and brain structure activity.
Researchers used data mining to identify subtle differences in movement between rats with ALS mutations and controls, predicting the onset of disease two months early. This novel approach may enable testing of therapies to delay or prevent disease.
Male fruit flies lacking the Gr32a gene become confused in matters of love, attempting sex with other males and females who have already mated. This study reveals the critical role of pheromone signals in determining mating status.
A team of Oregon researchers discovered a computational mechanism in roundworms that enables them to find food and avoid poisons. The study used imaging and molecular tools to identify two chemosensory neurons that act like on/off switches, regulating behavior.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that the spiritual effects of psilocybin, a hallucinogen, can last more than a year. Most volunteer subjects reported the experience as one of the most personally meaningful and spiritually significant events of their lives.
In a study published in PLOS Biology, researchers found that parietal neurons selectively track target location during visual search tasks. Adding distractors decreased parietal neuron firing rates, reducing target-related response and correlating with increased reaction times.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a novel pheromone detection mechanism in fruit flies, where the pheromone docks onto LUSH protein before activating nerve cells. This finding may lead to developing compounds that block pheromone action, controlling pest behavior.
A study found that chronic grief activates neurons in reward centers of the brain, which may give memories addiction-like properties. This research may help psychologists treat those with complicated grief better.
Dr. Mariana Pereira has been awarded a $60,000 grant from NARSAD to continue her preclinical studies on the effects of postpartum stress on substance abuse in women. Her research aims to understand how cocaine hijacks normal motivational patterns in the postpartum female.
Research suggests a strong association between depression, sleep deprivation, and suicidal behavior in children and adolescents. Sleep complaints during depressive episodes can be an indicator of suicidal behavior, particularly in pediatric bipolar disorder patients.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that rural, unmarried women have lower self-rated health status and are more prone to depression compared to their married counterparts. The study suggests that primary care physicians should take a proactive role in addressing health concerns of single women.
Research at UCLA found that interventions addressing early life experiences, including childhood sexual abuse, can reduce high-risk sex and depressive symptoms among HIV-positive African American and Hispanic men. Social support within the groups played a significant role in these positive changes.
Gabapentin has been shown to normalize the action of brain cells altered by chronic alcohol abuse in an area known as the central amygdala. The study found that gabapentin reduced anxiety-like behaviors and decreased the strength of inhibitory synapses in dependent rats, but not in non-dependent rats.
Researchers at UCSF have made a groundbreaking discovery on how neurons coordinate to generate movement. Individual neurons do not fire independently across the entire duration of a motor function as previously thought but instead coordinate their activity with other neurons. The study revealed that each neuron encodes different aspec...