Articles tagged with Behavioral Neuroscience
Osaka Metropolitan University scientists discovered that visual food cues influence eating behavior even when participants are unaware of them. Neural activity in the brain's frontal lobe differs depending on whether images are presented consciously or unconsciously, suggesting a role for unconscious processes in controlling eating beh...
Researchers have identified a new genetic pathway involved in regulating sleep from fruit flies to humans. The Pig-Q gene is associated with sleep regulation in both humans and animals, providing a novel insight into the genetics of insomnia.
Researchers found no correlation between daily mood and confidence markers, but mood-related states and confidence level fluctuated at different time scales. Mood changes occurred faster than confidence level changes.
A new paper in Nature Reviews Disease Primers provides a global overview of hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders, highlighting current approaches to diagnosis, screening, prevention, management, and treatment. The study emphasizes the need for further research, particularly on adolescents and effective behavioral interventions.
Researchers discovered a neural system for self-localization in larval zebrafish using whole-brain functional imaging. The multiregional hindbrain circuit integrates visual information to form a memory of past displacements, correcting for accumulated displacements over many seconds.
Neuroscientists have uncovered a brain circuit that enables mice to rapidly escape to shelter when faced with a threat. The retrosplenial cortex and superior colliculus form a circuit that encodes the direction to a shelter, allowing mice to accurately orient and escape.
Research from University of Virginia Health System suggests antidepressants can heighten lifelong brain changes in babies, such as autism, when combined with infection or inflammation during pregnancy. SSRIs interact powerfully with the mother's body, causing harmful changes in the placenta and developing brain.
Researchers discovered that eye movements can reveal valuable information about how humans make decisions. The study found that the speed and vigor of eye movements increased as participants considered their options before making a choice.
A new Lancet Viewpoint provides recommendations for providers and parents to detect and intervene in adolescent substance use. The study highlights the challenges of detecting substances with 'invisible symptoms' and emphasizes the importance of open communication and well-validated screening tools.
Researchers at Florida State University have found that aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, can cause anxiety-like behavior in mice. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that aspartame's effects extend up to two generations from exposure, affecting male mice and their offspring.
A new study has shed light on how the most commonly used ADHD medication, methylphenidate, works in the brain. The research found that methylphenidate increases dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens and improves coordinated brain network activity, resulting in more stable sustained attention in children with ADHD.
Researchers discovered that trauma changes brain mechanisms involved in learning and survival, such as the salience network. The study found that people with PTSD struggle to distinguish between safe and dangerous stimuli when emotions are involved.
The study found conserved structures of neuronal activity in the sensorimotor cortex of freely moving rats, revealing a clear gradient for contralateral bias. This breakthrough helps understand brain control of movements under natural conditions and enables further development of neuroprosthetic devices.
Researchers identified surprising differences in TGF-β genes across nine nematode species, revealing unexpected changes in function between species. This study provides new insights into the evolution of TGF-β signaling pathways and their impact on development, behavior, and disease in humans and parasites.
A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that only about 10% of children and adolescents who didn't improve with cognitive behavioral therapy opted for medication treatment. Patient characteristics, such as racial and ethnic minorities, younger patients, and expectations of treatment effectiveness, were identifi...
A new paper by researchers at the University of Birmingham argues that a 'one size fits all' approach to treating early psychosis may not be effective. Instead, they propose using machine learning techniques to deliver tailored treatment plans that address individual needs and improve outcomes.
A new study reveals ketamine dramatically changes neuronal activity patterns in the cerebral cortex, turning off active neurons and turning on silent ones. This switch in brain activity may impact our understanding of ketamine's antidepressant effects and future research in neuropsychiatry.
Researchers discovered that synchronized neural oscillations in the right hemisphere of the brain induce empathic behavior in mice, allowing them to perceive and share each other's fear. The study identified the causal relationship between 5-7 Hz oscillations in the cingulo-amygdala circuit and empathic responses.
A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying stress-related behaviors, revealing that glutamate cells in the ventral tegmental area play a critical role. The research found that mice exposed to uncontrollable stressors exhibited more pronounced anxiety-like behavior, whereas those with c...
Researchers created a miniature microscope that can image neural activity on a single-cell level from all cortical layers without interfering with animal behavior. The tool, developed by the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior, allows scientists to study how brain cells respond to environmental light and visual cues durin...
A Collaborative Research Centre investigates animal navigation using the Earth's magnetic field. The study focuses on vertebrates, including birds and fish, aiming to protect endangered migratory species.
A Scripps Research team has identified a class of drugs that may break the link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The findings show that these compounds, which target brain pathways shared by both disorders, can reduce alcohol preference and other behaviors associated with PTSD.
Scientists at Texas A&M University found that transplanting intestinal epithelial stem cells can repair the gut and reduce inflammation, potentially preserving cognitive function after a stroke. The study suggests that targeting gut health may be key to developing more effective stroke therapies.
A new study explores how corporal punishment impacts neural systems, linking it to increased anxiety, depression, and altered brain activity. The research found that adolescents who experienced physical punishments showed a larger neural response to error and a blunted response to reward.
A study published in Current Biology found that children exhibit rapid boosts of GABA during visual training, stabilizing new learning and making it more efficient. This discovery suggests that children may acquire new knowledge and skills faster than adults, with implications for teaching and learning strategies.
Recent studies have shed light on the biological mechanisms that connect sleep and anxiety, highlighting the importance of sleep in regulating stress responses. Research has shown that inadequate sleep can lead to increased anxiety and stress, while also exacerbating mental distress.
Researchers have developed a videography-based method to track skeletal kinematics in freely moving rodents, providing insights into animal behavior and brain function. The approach uses an anatomically grounded skeleton model and can be applied to multiple furry species.
Researchers at USC found significant differences in gray matter density between boys and girls with binge eating disorder, suggesting unique brain structures and potentially different treatments. The study underscores the need to include males in future research on eating disorders.
A study published in The EMBO Journal reveals that the anterior cingulate cortex is activated in female mice acquiring maternal behavior through repeated experience with pups. This discovery provides a potential basis for developing therapeutic options for postpartum depression and other conditions disrupting mother-child bonding.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science found that chronic social defeat stress (cSDS) induced mice showed higher intestinal transit ratio and visceral pain-related behaviors, similar to IBS. The study suggests that prolonged psychological stress can cause IBS-like symptoms in mice without intestinal lesions.
Researchers used simulations of zebrafish brain, environment, and spatially-varying swimming behavior to conclude that fish look down to understand their surroundings' motion. This adaptive behavior helps fish avoid being swept away by turbulent water.
Dr. Michael Yartsev was selected as the 2022 Peter Gruss Young Investigator Award winner for his groundbreaking research on naturalistic behavior in bats. His work has made a significant impact on the scientific community, inspiring young scientists and promoting cooperation.
Research reveals that common gut bacteria enhance cocaine effects in mice by consuming glycine, leading to behavior abnormalities. Supplementing glycine or using a genetically modified bacteria reduces response to cocaine, demonstrating its role as an addiction mediator.
Scientists have created an extensive new map of the brain's olfactory circuits, revealing a complex system that processes different aspects of odor information. The map suggests the existence of parallel neural circuits dedicated to assessing smell identity, pleasantness, and origin, offering new insights into olfactory processing.
A new study by Pitt mathematicians uses math borrowed from neuroscience to describe how swarms of synchronous fireflies coordinate their light show. The researchers found that varying distances between fireflies affects the resulting blinks, producing patterns like ripples or spirals.
Researchers found that the brain's defense system is activated during selfless helping behavior, contrary to the long-held idea that empathy drives such actions. The study used fMRI scans to measure brain activity in 49 healthy volunteers who were asked to decide whether to help another person avoid discomfort.
Researchers at HSE University used transcranial magnetic stimulation to suppress brain activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, leading to test subjects making less rational decisions. The study provides insight into the mechanisms behind gaming addiction and offers a potential new approach to understanding risky choice.
A Cornell University researcher is using optical microscopy and other tools to map the brain's neural response to psychedelics. The study aims to develop fast-acting antidepressants and treatments for substance-use disorders and cluster headaches.
A team of researchers has identified specific neurons in the amygdala that drive mice to eat fatty or sugary foods, even when not hungry. Switching off these neurons reduced overeating and protected against obesity, while also boosting physical activity and improving metabolic health.
The study reveals that a genetic mutation can accelerate the body's internal clock, leading to improved adjustment to shift work schedules. The findings have implications for understanding the health consequences of circadian misalignment and developing medical treatments.
A new system has been developed to deliver ultrasound stimulation to the brain in awake, naturally behaving mice, allowing researchers to evaluate its effects on sleep and working memory. This advance will help scientists test different ultrasound treatment protocols in mouse models of diverse neurological conditions.
Researchers at Princeton University found that mice who displayed defensive behaviors after a stressful event were more resilient. They also discovered that activating dopamine while fighting back reinforced resilience, a finding that could potentially inform strategies for building human resilience.
A new study published in GigaScience has made available an enormous amount of behavioral data from an animal model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), comprising over 2 years of continuous recording. The data set, which is the culmination of a 15-year study, provides insights into the mechanisms of OCD and potential treatments.
A team from UNIGE and EPFL discovered that too much or too little motivation can blur sensory information and affect decision-making. In a state of hyper-motivation, rodents performed poorly, while moderate motivation led to optimal choice. These results open up new perspectives in learning methods.
New research by Frank Schroeder's team reveals two parallel biosynthetic pathways for serotonin production in C. elegans, challenging the long-held assumption that serotonin is made and quickly broken down. The findings suggest new therapeutic targets for treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Researchers studying fruit flies found that brain neurons adapt to help the flies stay awake despite tiredness in dangerous situations, and fall asleep after an intense day. Time-restricted feeding also improved sleep quality in the flies, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for humans.
The Keck School of Medicine's Stevens INI has received a nearly $2 million grant to upgrade its storage system, increasing its capacity to handle vast amounts of brain imaging data. This will enable the lab to maximize scientific productivity and fulfill its promise to collaborate with researchers globally.
A research team has identified a specific cell group in the brain that regulates shifts in the sleep-wake rhythm caused by psychostimulants. The hypothalamic dopamine locus is responsible for modulating circadian rhythms and gates the effect of psychostimulants, leading to increased alertness and activity.
A study by University of Missouri researchers found that storytelling can help college students make sense of the pandemic and reduce stress. The study involved first-year college students who used stories to express personal growth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting less stress and more confidence in their schoo...
Dr. Inagaki will receive $2.895 million in funding to study the brain's ability to learn new behaviors and explore its molecular and neuronal activity. He aims to understand diseases and injuries that affect learning and memory.
A new research paper has demonstrated that psychological factors, such as feeling unhappy or being lonely, add up to 1.65 years to one's biological age, significantly impacting overall health and longevity.
Researchers found significantly larger neurons in the brain's memory region of SuperAgers compared to cognitively average peers, individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, and younger individuals. These larger neurons were spared from tau tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting they may maintain structural integrity.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.
A team of neuroscientists at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University aim to create an ultra-high resolution molecular atlas of the brain, enabling precise gene delivery to specific cell types. This project has the potential to revolutionize treatment of fatal brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A new genetically based score developed by McGill University researchers can identify children at high risk for impulsive behavior with a high degree of accuracy. The score was created by analyzing the co-expression of genes in key brain regions, providing a novel understanding of the neurobiology of impulsivity.
A new study reveals key differences in dopamine disposal machinery between male and female mice with a rare human genetic variant found in boys with ADHD or ASD. Females exhibit unique behavioral changes, such as increased anxiety and novelty recognition issues, while males display reduced social behavior and perseverative traits.
Neuroscientists at Sainsbury Wellcome Centre discovered that individual neurons in the visual cortex of mice are modulated separately by attention and running. The study found that spatial attention and running influence neurons independently, with different dynamics.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center used fMRI to study how the brain processes complex audiovisual speech. The study found that watching a narrator tell a story activates an extensive network of brain regions involved in sensory processing and cognitive functions associated with comprehension. This finding has pot...
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University identified a novel neural pathway in the brain that processes touch information, which plays a crucial role in social behavior. The thalamo-hypothalamic neural pathway uses PTH2 as a neurotransmitter and facilitates friendly social interactions between rats.
A new study by UC Berkeley neuroscientists simulated food insecurity in juvenile mice, finding lasting changes in learning, decision-making, and dopamine neurons. The stability of the food supply during young age affects cognitive flexibility in adulthood.