Many past neuroscience studies have found that animals process sensory information, such as visual stimuli, sounds, and so on, in relation to their movements within their surroundings. This experimentally confirmed idea, referred to as embodiment, has informed the...
Endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids for short, are lipid-based neurotransmitters known to support various physiological processes. Recent studies have hinted at the role of these neurotransmitters in so-called fear extinction, the process through which fear...
When humans make decisions, such as picking what to eat from a menu, what jumper to buy at a store, what political candidate to vote for, and so on, they might be more or less confident with their choice. If we are less confident and thus experience greater...
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is the stage of the sleep cycle during which vivid dreaming typically takes place. This crucial sleep phase, characterized by relaxed muscles, rapid eye movements, an elevated heart rate and irregular breathing patterns, has been linked...
Cytokines are proteins that help the human body to control and support the work of the immune system. Over the past few decades, a growing number of studies have been exploring the role of specific cytokines, including IL-12, in inflammation and the development of...
Over the past few decades, engineers have introduced and perfected numerous technologies designed to produce highly immersive experiences, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and advanced surround sound systems. While these technologies are now...
Optogenetics are advanced research tools that allow scientists to precisely control the activity of brain cells using light. Over the past few years, optogenetic techniques have become increasingly advanced, leading to exciting new discoveries about the brain and its...
The brain is a sophisticated biological system known to produce different experiences and perceptions via complex dynamics. Different brain regions and neural populations commonly work in tandem, communicating with each other to ultimately produce specific behaviors...
During decision-making, the human brain essentially accumulates useful information and weighs options until it has enough evidence to choose. Past studies showed that choice-relevant evidence is accumulated in specific parts of the brain's outer layer, known as the...
Different people can have varying perceptions of the same scents and odors, for instance perceiving the same perfume as "fruity" or "musky." Studies have suggested that the ways in which the same odors are mapped in the brain of different individuals are highly...