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Circadian clock plays unexpected role in neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers induced jet lag in a fruit fly model of Huntington disease and found that jet lag protected the flies’ neurons.

How the brain finds meaning in metaphor

Whether you bend a rod or bend the rules, the brain processes the word ‘bend’ similarly, with the sensory motor region playing a key role, according to new research.

Dopamine conducts prefrontal cortex ensembles

New research in rodents reveals for the first time how dopamine changes the function of the brain’s prefrontal cortex. Researchers found that dopamine has little effect on individual cells. Instead, it generates sustained activity in the ensemble of ce…

Impact of poverty on children’s brain activity

New research reveals the impact of poverty on children’s brain activity. Researchers studied the brain function of children aged between four months and four years in rural India, and compared their results with children from families in Midwest Americ…

Mental health can impact memory decades later

A new longitudinal cohort study has confirmed a link between experiencing mental health problems throughout adulthood and having poorer memory in midlife.

Brain growth inhibited by heavy alcohol use

New research in nonhuman primates shows that heavy use of alcohol can actually slow the rate of growth in developing brains. The study, to be published April 1, in the journal eNeuro, shows that heavy alcohol use reduced the rate of brain growth by 0.2…

How the brain fights off fears that return to haunt us

Neuroscientists have discovered a group of neurons that are responsible when a frightening memory re-emerges unexpectedly, like Michael Myers in every ‘Halloween’ movie. The finding could lead to new recommendations about when and how often certain the…

Depression, obesity, chronic pain could be treated by targeting the same key protein

Major depression, obesity and chronic pain are all linked to the effects of one protein, called FKBP51. Researchers have now developed a highly selective compound that can effectively block FKBP51 in mice, relieving chronic pain and having positive eff…

Wishing others well may boost your own well-being

New research has found a simple psychological technique that could reduce stress and anxiety and make people happier in just 12 minutes.

Music may enhance the effect of pain relievers

Can music soothe pain? A new study in mice finds that listening to Mozart alongside taking standard pain medication works better than drugs alone.