Behavioral Neuroscience – News and Features

Researchers have highlighted the connection between early repeated antibiotic use and how it impacts the digestive microbiome, finding an association between early antibiotic use and an increased risk of asthma, food allergies and hay fever.

A team from Fujita Health University developed a computational model to simulate the formation of protein condensates at synapses, revealing how proteins like CaMKII help organize memory structures in the brain.

A new study reveals that individuals aged 45 and older who had an emergency department visit or hospitalization due to cannabis were at 23% and 72% greater risk of developing dementia within five years compared to other groups.

Research has discovered that psychological stress initiates lipolysis in fat cells, stimulating the release of the GDF15 hormone, which communicates with the brain, resulting in anxiety.

A new USC study reveals how gut-derived metabolites influence brain activity and autism-related behaviors. The research supports a gut-brain-behavior connection in ASD, suggesting that metabolites impact brain regions associated with emotion.

Researchers have identified the basolateral amygdala (BLA) as crucial in regulating prosocial behaviour. Their study showed that individuals with BLA damage acted generously towards close friends but were more selfish with strangers.

Researchers have identified that SIRT2, an enzyme involved in neurotransmitter production, plays a key role in memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease.

A new study reveals that stress and depression mediate the relationship between insomnia and hazardous drinking. The findings suggest that targeting stress in people with insomnia could reduce the risk of alcohol misuse.

A study challenges the "digital dementia" hypothesis, showing that digital technology use is linked to improved cognitive aging outcomes. The study found a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment in adults who engaged with technology.

UC Davis researchers developed JRT, a modified version of LSD that promotes neuroplasticity without hallucinogenic effects. Tested in mice, JRT enhanced brain connectivity, showed antidepressant effects and improved cognition.