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Deep rooted: Mother’s empathy linked to ‘epigenetic’ changes to the oxytocin gene

Parenting behavior is deeply linked to the ability to empathize with one’s children. Thus, to better understand why certain parents react to certain situations in a certain way, it is crucial to gain insight into how empathy is shaped. Scientists have …

Novel anti-craving mechanism discovered to treat cocaine relapse

Cocaine continues to be one of the most commonly abused illicit drugs in the United States. Pre-clinical literature suggests that targeting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors (GLP-1Rs) in the brain may represent a novel approach to treating cocaine use …

Poor sleep can lead to depression in adolescents

Chronic sleep disruption during adolescence can lead to depression in both males and females and alters stress reactivity in females, according to a new study. Their findings are particularly relevant in the context of a pandemic when adolescents’ ment…

Machine learning identifies new brain network signature of major depression

Using machine learning, researchers have identified novel, distinct patterns of coordinated activity between different parts of the brain in people with major depressive disorder — even when different protocols are used to detect these brain networks.

Grasping an object: Model describes complete movement planning in the brain

Neurobiologists have developed a model that for the first time can completely represent the neuronal processes from seeing to grasping an object.

Novel form of Alzheimer’s protein found in spinal fluid indicates stage of the disease

Researchers have found a novel form of the Alzheimer’s protein tau in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This form of tau — known as MTBR tau — indicates what stage of Alzheimer’s a person is in and tracks with tangles of tau protein in…

Researchers find ‘missing link’ between stress and infertility

New research has confirmed in laboratory testing that a population of nerve cells near the base of the brain – the RFRP neurons – become active in stressful situations and then suppress the reproductive system.

New insights into the mechanisms of neuroplasticity

Scientists report that reactive oxygen molecules, also known as ‘free radicals,’ are important for the brain’s ability to adapt — at least in mice.

Using a video game to understand the origin of emotions

A number of studies have sought to connect given emotions, such as fear or pleasure, to specific areas of the brain, but without success. A research team has now analyzed volunteers while they were playing a video game that had been specially developed…

Drinking linked to a decline in brain health from cradle to grave

The evidence for the harmful effects of alcohol on brain health is compelling, but now experts have pinpointed three key time periods in life when the effects of alcohol are likely to be at their greatest.