Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that manifests itself through a diverse range of motor and non-motor symptoms, including shaking and stiffness of the limbs, as well as difficulties in maintaining balance and coordination, walking and...
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Neuroscientists identify brain circuit motifs that support short-term memory
Humans have the innate ability to store important information in their mind for short periods of time, a capability known as short-term memory. Over the past few decades, numerous neuroscientists have tried to understand how neural circuits store short-term memories,...
Researchers identify a class of neurons that are most active during non-REM sleep
Typically, pyramidal cells and GABAergic interneurons in the brain are activated simultaneously. A team of neuroscientists at New York University, however, recently identified a unique class of neurons that do not fire at the same time as all principal neurons, cells...
Study finds that mPOA neurons mediate stress-induced anxiety and parental behavior in mice
Anxiety is a common emotional state that can be particularly pronounced or difficult to process for individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders and depression. While neuroscientists have carried out numerous studies aimed at better understanding the neural processes...
Children prioritize what they hear over what they see when gauging emotional aspects of their experience
The Colavita visual dominance effect is a psychological observation named after Francis B. Colavita, the psychologist who first gathered evidence of its existence in 1974. Colavita observed that when human adults are presented with visual stimuli and other sensory...
Study explores the effects of maternal inflammation on fetal brain development
Past research suggests that infections or inflammation in pregnant women can be linked with the development of neurodevelopmental disorders in their offspring. While this association is well-documented, the molecular and neural mechanisms underpinning it are still...
Exploring the role of competitive brain processes in artistic cognition
For many years, neuroscientists worldwide have been trying to understand the neural and cognitive processes underpinning artistic expression. While past findings have identified a number of brain areas that could be associated with the creation of different forms of...
Study explores the effects of morning weather on people’s mood and wellbeing at work
The weather can greatly affect daily experiences, for instance, increasing or decreasing the yearning to spend time outdoors or making commutes to the workplace more or less enjoyable. While several past studies have investigated the effects that the weather can have...
Study explores the effects of immune responses on the aging brain
As human beings age, the functioning of organs gradually deteriorates. While countless past studies have investigated the effects of aging on the human body, brain and on cognition, the neural mechanisms and environmental factors that can accelerate or slow down these...
Exploring the role of prefrontal-amygdala brain circuits in social decision-making
In recent years, neuroscientists have been trying to understand the neural underpinnings of social behaviors and cognition. Studies on animal species, including primates and rodents, have identified a number of brain regions and neural circuits that may underpin...