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.
Researchers found adolescents exhibit lower activation in brain regions motivating behavior toward rewards, but similar responses to obtaining gains. The study resolves debates about adolescent reward processing and may explain why many young people struggle with long-term goals.
Researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy targets limbic and cortical regions in a distinct pattern from drug therapy, which changes chemical balance in the brain. The study suggests that brain scans may one day help doctors determine the most effective treatment for patients with depression.
Researchers found that a compound blocking NPY activity delays alcohol self-administration and reduces rewarding effects of alcohol in mice. This study suggests L-152,804 has potential as a treatment for alcoholism.
Female wolf spiders exhibit social recognition and memory, favoring familiar male phenotypes for mating. This behavior is linked to their experience during the pre-adult stage, with cannibalization rates among unfamiliar males being higher.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that rats can rapidly and accurately discriminate odors with just one sniff. The study, led by Zach Mainen, reveals vital new information about how the human brain processes information and guides behavior, suggesting that smell is a fast sense rather than a slow one.
Researchers found neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) respond to discrepancies between intentions and actual events, indicating that the brain monitors the consequences of actions. The study used detailed studies measuring neural activity in macaque monkeys performing tasks requiring self-control.
A study published in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that creative individuals have low levels of latent inhibition, a process that filters out irrelevant information. This allows them to remain open to new possibilities, potentially leading to original thinking and creative accomplishment.
A study found that exercise increases BDNF and neurogenesis in mice, but high levels of these chemicals don't necessarily improve learning. In fact, high-running mice perform poorly in maze tests, suggesting a potential 'tipping point' where too much exercise becomes detrimental.
Researchers found that fetal exposure to Ecstasy causes changes in brain chemistry and behavior in rats. The study, which mimicked the first trimester of human pregnancy, revealed a 502% increase in dopamine neuron fibers in the frontal cortex of Ecstasy-exposed rats.
A Cornell University study reveals that Pavlovian sexual conditioning, a process where external cues trigger anticipation of mating, significantly improves reproductive success in Japanese quail. The researchers found that breeding animals in familiar environments led to twice as many fertilized eggs compared to unfamiliar ones.
A study of 978 heterosexual residents found that physical attractiveness is not a primary factor in long-term relationships, while fidelity and good parenting qualities are highly valued. The researchers suggest that humans have evolved to play a sophisticated mating game, with similar characteristics being preferred in partners.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine reveal the crucial last step involved in long term depression, a process thought to underlie learning and memory. By blocking this step, they created a mouse with weakened connections that didn't affect behavior, paving the way for studying GluR2's role in motor skills.
Studies link serotonin deficiency to aggressive behavior, while environment and genetics also play a role. Researchers explore potential therapies, such as Prozac and Dilantin, to address underlying causes.
A study published in Nature found that behavioral treatment can reverse brain changes caused by cocaine use and prevent relapse. Rats given extinction training during withdrawal showed a significant increase in glutamate receptors, which may help ease cravings and prevent relapse.
A study led by Darlene Francis found that early-life environments significantly impact stress behaviors and learning abilities in mice. Mice transferred to high-stress surrogate mothers after birth showed increased stress-reactive behaviors and poorer cognitive performance compared to those raised by low-stress mothers.
Researchers have developed a new brain imaging technique called Voxel-based Lesion-Symptom Mapping (VLSM), which pinpoint areas of the brain most crucial for normal functioning. The method uses structural MRI scans and compares them to functional brain imaging data, allowing for more accurate mapping of brain damage and behavior.
Researchers have discovered a way to control 'badly' behaving neurons in Parkinson's disease, potentially easing symptoms and progression. By blocking potassium channels or eliminating the subunit using gene therapy, high-frequency spiking can be stopped, preserving normal neuronal activity.
Researchers found that progesterone receptor knockout mice showed a complete lack of infanticide and exhibited active paternal care, frequently contacting and retrieving pups. In contrast, control mice committed 74% infanticide and displayed less paternal behavior.
Dr. Salzman, a Columbia University professor, has been awarded the Charles E. Culpeper Scholarship in Medical Science from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. The award will support his research on understanding emotion and developing new treatments for psychiatric illness.
Researchers at Princeton University found that the brain circuits controlling eye movements also amplify or suppress signals from specific locations, enabling attention to be directed towards one thing over another. This discovery could provide new insights into attention deficit disorder and other information processing disorders.
A study by Gerianne Alexander found that male and female monkeys showed similar preferences for 'boy' and 'girl' toys as human children, suggesting innate preferences. The findings suggest that perceptual cues attract males to active play objects like cars and balls, while females prefer toys with nurturing functions.
A Cornell University researcher discovered that paper wasps use visual cues to identify each other, recognizing individual faces and abdomens through unique markings. This challenges the long-held belief that insects rely solely on pheromones for identification.
The six-year project MIDUS II aims to understand the complex relationships between psychosocial factors and physical health in people aged 35-85. Researchers will collect data through interviews and questionnaires to identify genetic differences influencing health and well-being.
Dr. Scott, a Columbia University neurobiologist, has won a major career award from the Burroughs Wellcome Foundation for her research on the Drosophila gustatory system. The $500,000 award will support her work over five years, enabling her to investigate how the brain translates sensory stimuli into behavioral responses.
Researchers from The Neurosciences Institute and Arizona State University successfully implanted electrodes in monkey brains to decode neural signals controlling arm movements. This breakthrough technology aims to restore movement to individuals with paralyzed arms through a 'neural bypass'.
Researchers will explore neuroadaptation, reinforcement, tolerance, sensitization, withdrawal, and relapse to improve treatment and preventive interventions. The INIA consortium aims to clarify the molecular and cellular underpinnings of excessive drinking behavior.
Research by Marlene Behrmann seeks to understand how the human brain interprets visual information, enabling us to recognize objects and locations. Her work aims to shed light on the neural processes underlying visual mental imagery and its relationship with perception.
Researchers used fMRI to analyze brain activity in people pondering moral dilemmas, finding that emotions play a significant role in shaping moral judgments. The study's results suggest that different areas of the brain are engaged depending on the level of personal involvement and emotional response.
A new study involving young adult transracial adoptees found that their exposure and competence in their birth culture are not necessary for good psychological adjustment. The study suggests that family and peer relationships, rather than cultural identity, may play a more significant role in shaping their mental health.
Researchers have identified four brain areas that are active in mouse mothers who exhibit aggressive behavior towards males, but not in non-aggressive females. This finding is an important step towards understanding the origins of maternal aggression and potentially informing strategies for reducing aggression in humans.
The Ohio Board of Regents has awarded a $321,780 grant to Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine to enhance neurogenetics research. The medical school plans to recruit a new faculty member with expertise in neural molecular genetics and establish a neural transgenic/behavioral testing core facility.
Researchers found that PKA signaling regulates both alcohol-seeking behavior and sensitivity to alcohol intoxication in mice. Mice with a mutation in the RIIb subunit of PKA drank nearly twice as much 20-percent alcohol solution, while recovering faster from sedative effects.
A new study at Ohio State University suggests that Vietnamese Amerasians' thoughts and feelings about their American biological fathers play a powerful role in how well they adjust to life in the United States. The study found that those who reported frequent thoughts of their biological father experienced higher levels of psychologica...
Researchers discovered that sea slugs, despite their simple brain structure, make decisions based on a sliding scale of pleasure and pain. Hungry snails are quicker to strike at tempting food sources, while satiated ones avoid danger, reflecting the need for a meal to overcome prey defenses.
Researchers found that fruit flies exhibit behavioral and molecular changes similar to those observed in mammals, suggesting they may be capable of sleeping. The study provides new insights into the functions of sleep and could lead to the development of new treatments for human sleep disorders.
Researchers studied a c. elegans worm with a genetic mutation affecting its feeding behavior and discovered that it altered the potassium channel EXP-2, leading to muscle relaxation and reduced food intake. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling behavior in humans.
Aging hamsters who received a new biological clock had their lifespan increased by 20%, proving the importance of circadian rhythms to health and longevity. Behavioural modifications, such as structured light-dark cycles, may achieve similar benefits in humans.