Articles tagged with Behavioral Neuroscience
Researchers at Emory University used spiny mice as a laboratory model to study the neural mechanisms of group living in mammals. The study found that neural signaling from the brain's anterior cingulate cortex drives the preference for spiny mice to affiliate with large peer groups.
A new AI algorithm, DPAD, developed by Maryam Shanechi's lab, can dissociate brain patterns related to specific behaviors, improving brain-computer interfaces for paralyzed patients. The algorithm can also discover new patterns in the brain that may be missed by prior methods.
Researchers at UNIL find that observing others cope with trauma increases resilience and prevents pathological states. Serotonin release in the habenula brain structure is identified as the key mechanism, offering new perspectives for understanding depression and treatment.
A new study using manifold learning and signal processing techniques identifies a significant correlation between adolescent brain activity and mental health symptoms. The approach, called exogenous PHATE, combines brain activation data with environmental variables to improve detection of existing symptoms and predict future ones.
A study of 500 participants from 11 countries reveals that suboptimal decisions are a universal human trait due to context influences. The researchers identified culture-specific risk preferences, with some nations exhibiting higher or lower risk-taking tendencies.
A multi-university research team led by University of Virginia engineering professor Gustavo K. Rohde has developed a system that can accurately spot genetic markers of autism in brain images. The system uses generative computer modeling technique called transport-based morphometry, which reveals brain structure patterns that predict v...
Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered a link between environmentally induced autism and altered neurotransmitter expression in the brain. The study suggests that manipulating these neurotransmitters early in development can prevent autistic-like behaviors.
A new study from UCSF finds that child-parent psychotherapy can reduce biological age acceleration in children who have experienced trauma. The treatment group showed significantly less age-related change than the comparison group, with potential implications for long-term health outcomes.
Researchers have uncovered new insights into how the brain regulates imitative behavior, a phenomenon that facilitates interaction and social cohesion. The study used advanced brain stimulation technique to pinpoint the causal role of different circuits in facilitating or inhibiting automatic imitation.
A study published in Current Biology found that bouncing is the primary movement facilitating synchronization in dance, occurring independently of music and partner movements. Researchers identified two modes of synchrony: music-driven and partner-driven, with bouncing acting as a supramodal rhythm regulator.
Studies in mice reveal that orexin plays a key role in deciding between physical activity and consuming food, particularly when both options are available. By understanding this process, scientists aim to develop strategies to overcome exercise barriers and address the global obesity epidemic.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have found that altering GABA receptor density affects circadian rhythm amplitude and synchrony among SCN cells. Reducing or mutating these receptors decreased the mice's daytime wheel-running and reduced nocturnal activity.
The UNLV study found that brain activity patterns change with the number of experiences, not time, and that increasing speed affects perception. The research suggests that our brains register a 'vibe' about time, making it faster when we're having fun or doing tasks efficiently.
Studies in glassfish reveal that vision plays a crucial role in coordinated schooling behavior, with maturity also essential for developing this ability. Researchers discovered that older fish can distinguish between movement patterns of their social partners, allowing them to align their bodies and swim together effectively.
Researchers used advanced brain imaging techniques to identify key regions and networks involved in creative thinking. The Default Mode Network (DMN) was found to play a crucial role, with activity originating from the DMN before being evaluated by other brain regions.
A study published in Nature Mental Health found associations between prenatal cannabis exposure and potential mental health conditions in childhood and adolescence. Researchers identified potential biological mechanisms, including reductions in neuroinflammation, that could explain this association.
Neuroscientists have identified a region of the brain that regulates escape behavior in mice, revealing its role in anxiety and PTSD. The study found that inhibitory neurons can be turned up or down to control sensitivity to threats.
A study published in Gut reveals that specific bacteria in the gut are involved in compulsive eating and obesity, with a beneficial bacterium called Blautia showing protective effects. The research also highlights the role of microRNAs in food addiction and suggests potential new treatments involving beneficial bacteria and dietary sup...
Research on mouse models reveals that CBD and metformin can alleviate repetitive behaviour, impaired speech, and learning impairments associated with these genetic conditions. The study also explores the potential for broader use of these treatments in autism spectrum disorder-related conditions.
Research on mice exposes to cannabidiol during gestation shows altered behaviors and brain changes, affecting nerve cells involved in processing emotions. The study suggests a public health priority to understand CBD's impact on developing nervous systems.
A new study on learning has provided insights into the balance between habitual and goal-directed behaviors, with implications for AI development. The research suggests that a balance between these two types of behavior is necessary for efficient and adaptable decision-making in AI systems.
Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences found that brains display unique neural activity when experiencing bittersweetness, a common yet understudied phenomenon. They discovered that mixed emotions hold steady over time, unlike ping-ponging between negative and positive feelings.
A study by Kalliopi Ioumpa and Selene Gallo investigated pro-social behaviour in self-reported mirror-pain synaesthetes, finding they donated significantly more money to alleviate others' pain. Mirror-pain synaesthetes activated their secondary somatosensory cortex more when witnessing others' pain, indicating a higher motivation to help.
Researchers created a virtual rodent with an artificial brain that can move like a real rodent, simulating complex behaviors using biomechanical data from real rats. The model uses deep reinforcement learning and AI to predict neural activity across behaviors.
A new study led by UCSF found that COVID-19 vaccine side effects like headache and tiredness indicate a strong immune response. Those with more symptoms had nearly double the antibody levels of those without, suggesting the vaccine is effective in preventing infection.
A single episode of intense exercise reduces subsequent physical activity and body temperature in mice, leading to weight gain. The study highlights the importance of considering not only calories burned during exercise but also subsequent activity levels and circadian rhythm for effective weight loss.
Researchers at OIST used a novel technique to study how activating the brain's serotonin center affects awake animals. They found that serotonin from the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) activates brain areas influencing behavior and motivation, including the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia.
Researchers used C. elegans to investigate the underlying mechanisms of embryonal exposure to addictive doses of amphetamine, discovering epigenetic modifications that alter gene and protein expression. This leads to increased susceptibility to amphetamine-induced behaviors in adult animals.
A new AI tool called SUBTLE has been developed for advanced animal behavior analysis. It classifies and analyzes behavior through AI learning based on 3D movement information, reducing time-series data into two dimensions for embedding.
A new Research Training Group will investigate the evolution of nuclear genomes in organisms using different forms of reproduction, including asexual and sexual reproduction. The group aims to better understand the dominance of sexual reproduction in nature through empirical analysis of changing and evolving genomes.
Researchers developed AI software to analyze animal behavior, enabling precise linking of brain circuits and neurons. The program reconciles differing results by providing transparent explanations for machine-learning predictions, facilitating cross-lab comparisons and reproducibility in behavioral research.
A newly discovered connection between two brain regions may help regulate how much we eat, according to a Northwestern University study. The weaker the connection between these regions, the higher a person's BMI, suggesting that individuals with weak brain circuits may overeat even when full.
FutureNeuro, a leading SFI Research Centre, is expanding its research programme with a focus on diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health. The centre aims to develop precision diagnostics, future treatments, and systems using real-time health data.
Research at Ruhr-University Bochum found that preschool children tend to prepare for upcoming events by considering how bad it will feel to lose, rather than how good it will feel to win. This pessimistic outlook motivates them to behave proactively in the present.
A new study reveals that neural activity related to sound detection and movement are temporally separated but share commonalities, with neurons adapting their activity based on experience. The findings shed light on the brain's complex processing of sensory information and behavioral choices.
A study found that male baby chickens play more than females, with males engaging in social and object play. The researchers suggest that this difference may be due to the high degree of sexual dimorphism in adult junglefowl.
A UT Arlington student has made a groundbreaking connection between worm behavior and brain disease in humans. Through her research, she found that worms with mutations in neurodegeneration genes exhibit abnormal reactivity to stimuli, similar to those affected by schizophrenia and other neurological disorders.
A study published by Cornell University researchers found that more frequent positive contact with nature is associated with reduced inflammation levels. The study, which analyzed data from the Midlife in the U.S. survey, suggests that enjoying nature can help prevent or manage diseases linked to chronic inflammation.
Researchers used a new integrated wireless system to record brain activity in frontal areas of macaques' brains while they foraged. The results indicate that foraging strategies are based on a cortical model of reward dynamics.
The Association for Chemoreception Sciences (AChemS) 46th annual meeting features 62 presentations and 184 accepted posters on various topics including taste transduction, olfactory dysfunction, and social behavior. The conference promises a comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge research with keynote presentations and symposia.
Researchers found that highly skilled soccer players exhibit faster reaction times and lower variability when faced with decision-making tasks. The study suggests that strong inhibitory processes play a crucial role in facilitating quick decisions on the field.
Researchers at Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders discovered two neuronal populations in the spinal cord that enable learning and remembering movements. The dorsal neurons facilitate learning, while the ventral neurons ensure recall and performance.
A new study found that mums with insecure attachment traits showed more brain-to-brain synchrony with their children, while fathers and children had stronger brain-to-brain synchrony. The research suggests that high or low synchrony can signal interaction difficulties in families.
Researchers found that subjective fatigue did not increase until 2 hours of play, while pupillary constriction occurred at 2 and 3 hours, indicating cognitive fatigue despite varying levels of expertise. This suggests that monitoring pupil constriction could help detect cognitive resource depletion in mentally demanding environments.
Researchers at UTEP used prairie voles to study depression, finding they exhibit changes in behavior similar to humans, including weight loss and anhedonia. The study suggests that social defeat stress can activate the voles' stress response and lead to symptoms of depression.
The study found that heart rate decreases and parasympathetic activity increases when interacting with friends, but not strangers. This suggests that social relationships influence physiological responses during social interactions.
Researchers discovered a class of cerebellar inputs, called climbing fibres, are essential for associative learning to occur. These
A new study found that a 'courtship' gene has different effects in two fruit fly species. In one species, giving females the gene resulted in them adopting male behaviors, while in another, it enabled them to produce both male and female songs. The findings suggest that genes can have varying functions across different species.
Researchers from Kobe University developed an AI image recognition algorithm that can predict mouse behavior based on brain functional imaging data, achieving 95% accuracy. The model identified critical cortical regions for behavioral classification and demonstrated near real-time speeds.
Researchers have solved the long-standing question of what triggers the alarm response in fish by identifying two distinct chemical signals: Daniol sulphate and Ostariopterin. These substances convey separate pieces of information that must be detected simultaneously to trigger a flight-or-freeze response.
The study reveals that two neural pathways in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus participate in dynamic regulation of goal pursuits, with PVT+ neurons encoding execution and termination of actions, respectively. Activity in these neurons mirrors motivation parameters such as vigor and satiety.
Researchers at UC San Diego discover that acute stress triggers a switch in neurotransmitters, leading to generalized fear responses. They also find that suppressing GABA production and using antidepressants can prevent this effect.
Scientists have discovered that the bat brainstem processes echolocation and communication calls differently, with a stronger response to less frequent calls due to better neural synchronization. The findings may also be relevant to medical applications in humans, such as understanding diseases like ADHD or schizophrenia.
Delta opioid receptors play a crucial role in anxiety development, and research reveals its therapeutic effects in animal models. KNT-127, a DOP agonist, reduces anxiety-like behavior by suppressing glutamatergic transmission, offering new potential for treating anxiety disorders.
A new mouse study has uncovered the neural connections that help shape decisions, finding sequential groups of neurons activated and suppressed to reinforce a choice. The research combines structural, functional, and behavioral analyses to explore how neuron-to-neuron connections support decision-making in the brain.
A preclinical model has successfully restored an opioid-weakened brain pathway in mice, preventing relapse and improving ability to stop behaviors. This breakthrough could lead to the development of future treatments that rehabilitate brain functioning associated with drug use.
A Cornell University study found that female lab mice behave differently from their male counterparts when placed in large outdoor enclosures. Unlike males, females often avoid each other and do not form hierarchical structures, instead interacting randomly with other females.
Researchers developed a new machine learning method to analyze brain data, separating intrinsic neural patterns from sensory inputs. The method revealed surprisingly consistent hidden patterns in three subjects' neural activity despite different tasks.
Research reveals oxytocin neurons in mouse brain modulate object recognition memory, with activation boosting long-term memory and implicating Alzheimer's disease. Oxytocin's role in social memory also highlighted, suggesting a potential link to loneliness or limited social engagement.
The study reveals that the superior colliculus is vital in the transition from seeing individual flashes to smooth motion, and may be a key component in creating the continuity illusion. Different methods of measuring the Flicker Fusion Frequency threshold suggest other parts of the brain also play a role in this process.