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How the brain encodes social rank and ‘winning mindset’

Researchers have made inroads into understanding how the mammalian brain encodes social rank and uses this information to shape behaviors. In mice engaged in a competition, the team discovered, patterns of brain activity differ depending on the social …

Discovery of an immune escape mechanism promoting Listeria infection of the central nervous system

Some ‘hypervirulent’ strains of Listeria monocytogenes have a greater capacity to infect the central nervous system. Scientists have discovered a mechanism that enables cells infected with Listeria monocytogenes to escape immune responses. This mechani…

A new brain-computer interface with a flexible backing

Engineering researchers have invented an advanced brain-computer interface with a flexible and moldable backing and penetrating microneedles. Adding a flexible backing to this kind of brain-computer interface allows the device to more evenly conform to…

Brain differences in children with binge eating disorder

Brain scans of children ages 9-10 with a type of eating disorder that causes uncontrollable overeating showed differences in gray matter density compared to their unaffected peers, according to a new study. The study’s findings suggest that abnormal de…

Skin biopsy can help identify patients with Parkinson’s disease

Accumulation of the biomarker p-syn in the skin distinguishes patients with Parkinson’s disease from patients with symptoms of parkinsonism due to other neurodegenerative disorders, scientists report.

Scientists find brain network that makes mice mingle

The difference between a social butterfly and a lone wolf is actually at least eight differences, according to new findings by a team of brain researchers. By simultaneously spying on the electrical activity of several brain regions, researchers can bo…

Discovery of novel brain fear mechanisms offers target for anxiety-reducing drugs

A new target in the brain which underpins the eliciting of anxiety and fear behaviors such as ‘freezing’ has been identified by neuroscientists. Researchers say the discovery of a key pathway in the brain offers a potential new drug target for treating…

Ready, set … GO! Scientists discover a brain circuit that triggers the execution of planned movement

Planned movement is essential to our daily lives, and it often requires delayed execution. As children, we stood crouched and ready but waited for the shout of ‘GO!’ before sprinting from the starting line. As adults, we wait until the traffic light tu…

‘Dancing’ laboratory rats show how the brain learns, perfects, then unconsciously performs a skillful movement

Scientists have shown in rats how several brain regions need to work together to acquire a skill and replicate it flawlessly with each rat adding their own personal flair in the form of a ‘dance.’

A third of new moms during early COVID had postpartum depression

One in three new mothers during early COVID-19 screened positive for postpartum depression — nearly triple pre-pandemic levels — and 1 in 5 had major depressive symptoms, say researchers.