Depression, characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, is one of the most common mental health disorders. Recent estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that approximately 5% of the...
Thirst is a crucial physiological signal that contributes to the survival of humans and other animals, by allowing them to detect when they are dehydrated so that they can drink. Drinking is essential for survival and for maintaining the balance of fluids in the body,...
Sleep is known to be central to various physiological and mental processes, including the consolidation of memories, supporting various cognitive functions, helping to clear the brain of neurotoxins, balancing hormones and promoting cardiovascular health. Some recent...
Chronic pain conditions, long-lasting medical conditions characterized by persistent pain in specific areas of the body, are often difficult to diagnose and treat. Understanding the biological markers (i.e., genes and brain patterns), psychological characteristics and...
Chronic pain conditions, characterized by persistent or recurrent pain in specific parts of the body, can be highly debilitating and often significantly reduce the quality of life of the individuals experiencing them. Statistics suggest that approximately 20.9% of...
Most humans can recall specific events and past experiences for long periods of time. This capability, referred to as episodic memory, is known to be in great part supported by the activity of neurons in the hippocampus and medial temporal lobe.
Homeostasis is the ability of living organisms to maintain stable internal conditions, such as temperature, hydration and blood sugar levels, irrespective of any changes in their surroundings. Homeostatic mechanisms also regulate behaviors that are central to the...
Depression is among the most widespread mental health disorders worldwide, typically characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, a lack of interest in daily activities and dysregulated sleep and/or eating habits. There are now a wide range of pharmacological...
The ability to detect imminent threats and execute behaviors aimed at protecting oneself, such as hiding, running away or defending oneself, is central to the survival of most animal species. A region of the mammalian brain known to play a key role in threat response...
The human brain is known to contain a wide range of cell types, which have different roles and functions. The processes via which cells in the brain, particularly its outermost layer (i.e., the cerebral cortex), gradually become specialized and take on specific roles...