Articles tagged with Behavioral Neuroscience
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.