Articles tagged with Behavioral Neuroscience
Researchers found that connecting sounds with rewards triggers significant changes in the brain's sensory cortex, enabling better behavioral responses. This study has wide implications for learning and cognitive development, particularly in individuals with language learning impairments like dyslexia.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that stress triggers a relapse of methamphetamine abuse in mice, validating human studies. The researchers used a compound to mimic metabolic changes during stress and found it was effective in reinstating drug-seeking behavior.
A new study found that short days increase estrogen's effects on male mice's aggression, while long days decrease it. The researchers identified the mechanisms behind this interaction, which may have implications for human aggression and cancer.
Juvenile hamsters on low doses of fluoxetine exhibit longer and more intense attacks compared to adults. The study suggests that brain maturity during puberty affects drug response, leading researchers to investigate potential negative effects on developing nervous systems.
A new study by University of Florida researchers found that almost all decaffeinated coffee contains some measure of caffeine. This can be a concern for people with medical conditions like hypertension or anxiety disorders who are advised to cut their caffeine intake.
Researchers found that a mammary pheromone in mother's milk facilitates newborns' ability to quickly associate environmental odors with the opportunity to nurse. This learning is efficient from birth and promotes essential skills like suckling instincts.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation in fruit flies that regulates sensitivity to alcohol. The study found that some fruit flies were more resistant to alcohol's sedative effects, and the researchers isolated the specific genetic mutation responsible.
Researchers re-examine the nature of amnesia, questioning whether it's a defect in memory storage or recovery. They propose novel experimental approaches to evaluate the neurobiological basis of memory impairment, building on existing studies of amnesia.
The Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center (MARC) will investigate the genetic basis of addiction and develop targeted therapies. The center aims to create educational programs for school-age children and provide clinical treatments for rural patients affected by meth use.
Researchers discovered that younger people struggle to ignore secondary targets due to an undeveloped frontal cortex, leading to rapid eye movements and multiple saccades. This study may hold clues for understanding developmental delays in cerebral palsy patients.
Researchers find that chronic stress can lead to damage in the brain and body, but also note that certain behaviors like exercise, social support, and coping techniques can modify these effects. Healthy centenarians exhibit slower insulin rates, higher thyroid hormones, and lower cortisol levels compared to younger adults.
A study published in Developmental Science found that children's attention skills are not yet adult-like until the early teens. Children aged 6-10 struggled to detect changes in their environment, revealing a fundamental difference in their perceptual abilities compared to adults.
Researchers found that a command hormone called ecdysis-triggering hormone (ETH) orchestrates activities in discrete groups of peptide neurons in the brain, initiating innate behaviors such as escape and defensive maneuvers. This discovery could lead to manipulation of behavior in animals and intelligent robots.
Researchers found that nicotine exposure in rat fetuses led to impaired auditory processing and cognitive deficits. The study suggests that prenatal nicotine exposure damages brain receptors, affecting sound sensitivity and higher cognitive functions.
Johns Hopkins researchers show that psilocybin can induce mystical/spiritual experiences descriptively identical to those reported for centuries. Subjects who underwent the experience reported positive changes in behavior and attitude, lasting several months. The study's results have significant implications for our understanding of hu...
Research suggests genetics play a role in aggression, but maternal nurturing can mitigate this effect. Variations in serotonin genes are linked to aggressive behavior, especially among men with lower education levels.
The study, led by Dr Nathaniel Daw and Dr John O'Doherty, used fMRI scans to measure brain activity while subjects gambled for money. Most people switch between exploring and exploiting strategies seamlessly, making it hard to distinguish between them.
Researchers present findings on the impact of stress, puberty, and prenatal programming on brain development and behavior. The studies explore the role of oxytocin in reducing stress during marital conflict and examine the effects of chronic stress on brain mechanisms.
The 2006 winners of the NWO/Spinoza Prize are Prof. J.M. Bensing for her work on doctor-patient communication, Prof. C.G. Figdor for his pioneering dendritic cell therapy, Prof. B.J.G. Scheres for discovering stem cell role in plant roots, and Prof. J.J. Zaanen for high-temperature superconductivity research.
Research studies will explore neuroendocrine changes throughout the lifespan, including potential secrets to longevity and stress reduction. The congress will also examine the links between nature and nurture in disease development and abnormal behaviors.
A study found that ramelteon, a new sleep medication, does not instigate the same cognitive effects as other commonly prescribed sleep aids. The research suggests that ramelteon is unlikely to promote benzodiazepine-type dependence and may be a safer alternative for treating insomnia.
Researchers found correlations between DNA variants in the D4 receptor gene and self-reported sexual desire, arousal, and function. Variants affecting dopamine levels were shown to influence sexual behavior.
Researchers found that chronic exposure to cortisol, a human stress hormone, contributes to symptoms of depression and anxiety in mice. Mice given chronic doses took longer to emerge from a dark compartment into a brightly lit environment, indicating increased fearfulness.
Researchers found that fish raised with environmental features, such as small stones, had larger brains and a more developed cerebellum than those without. The study's findings could impact the design of hatcheries for breeding fish to restock wild populations.
A study of 76 adolescent hamsters found that anabolic steroid use led to increased aggression, lasting up to two years and affecting brain chemistry. The research suggests that humans may experience similar long-term behavioral problems if they abuse steroids during adolescence.
A recent study examined the impact of the 1988 Spitak earthquake on adolescents in Armenia and found that psychotherapy provided sustained benefits even 1.5 years post-disaster. Untreated adolescents had higher levels of PTSD and depressive symptoms, while treated adolescents saw significant improvements in their conditions.
Marder's research on central pattern generators has led to breakthroughs in understanding neural circuit stability and its implications for diseases like mental illness, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Her work with crustaceans has expanded the field of neuroscience beyond mammals.
A new joint neuroscience doctoral training program will be established at New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers-Newark and UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. The program aims to bring together interdisciplinary approaches to study nerve and brain function, with a focus on addressing complex challenges in the neurosciences.
Research reveals that the number of serotonin receptors in the subgenual prefrontal cortex affects the amygdala's emotional state, influencing behavior in stressful situations. Higher levels of these receptors can reduce rational 'discussion' and lead to increased amygdala activity.
A study of premature babies born at 26 weeks gestation found that certain aspects of brain development were compromised compared to full-term infants. The brains of premature babies showed delayed growth and changes after birth, indicating that early stimulation may hinder normal brain maturation.
Studies on laboratory rats reveal that mixing stress, deprivation, and tempting foods leads to overeating. The brain's opioid system plays a key role in regulating food intake, especially when food is highly palatable. This knowledge may help non-stressed individuals avoid overeating and improve their health.
Researchers at UCLA found that reflecting on personal values can significantly lower cortisol levels after stressful events, providing a potential new method to combat stress. The study involved 80 undergraduates who underwent stressful tasks, with those reflecting on meaningful values showing reduced cortisol responses.
Three finalists, Pingxi Xu, Justin Blau, Paul Frankland, and Johanna Montgomery, have made significant contributions to understanding insect behavior through pheromone signaling. Their research has the potential to develop sustainable methods of pest control and improve human health by preventing disease.
Researchers found that brain regions beyond the injury site play a critical role in understanding behavioral deficits and assessing options for acceleration of recovery from stroke-related spatial neglect. Functional magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed activity changes in distant brain areas correlated with impairment severity.
Dr. Harris-Warrick's lab will explore flexible movements in crustaceans using dopamine and serotonin modulators, shedding light on motor circuit flexibility and homeostasis. The award honors the late Sen. Jacob K. Javits' advocacy for neurological disorder research.
Researchers found that rats bred to prefer alcohol showed more anxiety-like behaviors and drank more alcohol. Reduced anxiety was associated with increased CREB function, suggesting a potential target for therapy.
Researchers found lower mu-opioid receptor binding in the left insular cortex of women with bulimia, inversely correlated with fasting behavior. This study suggests that medications targeting brain opioid receptors may help treat bulimia, a serious eating disorder marked by destructive patterns of dieting and vomiting.
Researchers found that parasitic fly larvae alter tiger moth caterpillar taste organs, favoring toxic plants containing protective chemicals. This change in behavior helps caterpillars escape parasites and survive.
A study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society reveals that in specific situations, unrelated African cichlid fish helpers must contribute more to their group to gain access and benefits. By analyzing genetic relatedness and behavioral observations, researchers found that under certain ecological conditions, non-relatives ta...
Researchers found that G-protein-coupled receptors involved in detecting odors do not amplify signals like those in the eye, contradicting previous claims. Instead, cells can bind to multiple receptors or express the same receptor to enhance sensitivity.
Researchers found that genetically engineered flies with turned-off dopamine cells or those receiving dopamine inhibitors display converse behavioral effects to normal flies on methamphetamine. The study suggests dopamine plays a crucial role in modulating neuronal activity and assigning saliency to sensory stimuli.
Researchers found that newborn dolphins and orcas remain active 24 hours a day in the first month, unlike all other mammals. This allows them to reduce danger from predators, maintain body temperature, and facilitate rapid growth.
A research team at UCLA and Caltech found that individual neurons can recognize specific images, including faces and letter strings of names. The discovery suggests a consistent code for transforming complex visual representations into long-term memories.
A study by Johns Hopkins University suggests that cell phones and driving don't mix because directing attention to listening effectively 'turns down the volume' on visual input. Brain activity recordings show that attention is strictly limited, affecting both auditory and visual tasks.
A study found that damage to the orbital frontal cortex impairs an animal's ability to learn from new cues, leading to slowed neural responses. The researchers discovered a critical role of the OFC in decision-making and learning, with potential implications for treatments of brain injury and trauma.
Researchers at University of Minnesota have made a groundbreaking discovery on how estrogen affects the brain, revealing distinct differences between females and males. The study suggests that estrogen activation of glutamate receptors could explain various non-reproductive behaviors, such as female motor control and pain sensation.
A Canadian study involving 163 families with confirmed child physical abuse or neglect found that regular home visits by public-health nurses did not prevent recurrence of abuse. The study's findings suggest that prevention efforts must be invested in to reduce the risk of recurrence when a child remains in the home.
Researchers use genetically engineered flies to demonstrate controlled neural manipulation, offering a promising approach for studying behavior and potentially treating neurological disorders. The system involves triggering molecular lock-and-key interactions with laser light, enabling precise activation of specific nerve cells.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a method to remotely control fly behavior using laser light, demonstrating a direct link between specific neurons and behaviors. The technique involves genetically engineered 'phototriggers' that respond to light pulses, allowing for non-invasive control of neural activity.
Research by Marino and colleagues reveals that dolphins and primates share similar cognitive abilities despite their distinct brain development patterns. The study, which spans 47 million years, uses magnetic resonance imaging and fossil records to compare the encephalization of cetaceans and humans.
Researchers found that stimulation of the posterior parietal cortex elicits complex, innate behaviors such as aggressive facial patterns and hand-to-mouth movements in primates. This discovery suggests that these behaviors are built-in to primate brains, including humans.
A deeper understanding of behavioral biology is necessary to improve laws, according to Vanderbilt law professor Owen Jones. By integrating life science and social science perspectives on behavior, laws can be more effective in pursuing their goals.
Cornell University researchers have developed multimedia teaching tools for neuroscience, including Koé, a CD-ROM that explores sound, and Fruitfly, which delves into neurogenetics. These interactive tools aim to make complex concepts more engaging and accessible for students of all levels.
Researchers found that combining behavioral enrichment and antioxidant supplementation significantly improved learning abilities in senior dogs. The study suggests similar benefits may be attained in humans due to biological and behavioral parallels between species.
Researchers found that tropical birds are more susceptible to global warming due to their sensitivity to environmental cues, which can disrupt the timing of breeding. The study suggests that changes in rainfall, temperature, or food availability may drive breeding behavior in these birds.
Working memory develops and improves with maturity, allowing voluntary control over behavior. Adults rely on a third brain area for optimal performance, whereas children and adolescents use different regions of the brain. This study informs understanding of thinking processes and may lead to new treatments for psychiatric illnesses.
Researchers have described the pattern of brain evolution in dolphins for the first time, revealing a significant increase in brain size relative to body size over 47 million years. This change is believed to be linked to changes in social ecology and the emergence of echolocation abilities.
A study by Jefferson neuroscientists has discovered that lead exposure early in life can significantly hinder the brain's ability to recover from later injuries. The research used rats with specific brain damage and found that those exposed to lead suffered less recovery, suggesting long-term consequences of lead poisoning.
Research finds that mothers respond better to their own infant cries, exhibiting increased brain activity in various regions. Nurturing behaviors also improve social difficulties in offspring related to poor parenting.
New research reveals distinct brain structure and function differences in adolescents compared to adults, leading to impulsive decision-making and increased risk-taking behavior. Puberty appears to be a critical stage of development, characterized by heightened novelty seeking and exploratory behavior.