Behavioral Neuroscience – News and Features

A study shows how a class of drugs, HDACi (histone deacetylase inhibitors), protects neurons and limits brain damage following stroke by altering the gene expression of microglia, the immune cells of the brain.

Eating more fruits and vegetables during the day is associated with improved sleep quality from as early as the same day. Eating the recommended 5-a-day servings of fruit or veg resulted in a 16% improvement to sleep quality, the study found.

A study found that exercise alters brain cell activity in Alzheimer’s disease, specifically in microglia and newly discovered neurovascular-associated astrocytes. The findings offer a roadmap for future Alzheimer’s therapies.

A study from Fujita Health University reveals that chronic hyponatremia in mice results in anxiety-like behaviors due to disruptions in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in the amygdala.

A study suggests that individuals with less diverse oral microbiomes are more likely to report symptoms of depression. The research highlights the potential link between oral health and mental well-being.

Researchers have created 63 genetically engineered mouse stem cell lines to study autism-related mutations, especially copy number variations (CNVs). The library reveals shared protein production issues across different autism mutations.

A Swedish study finds that childhood adversities, such as abuse and parental mental illness, increase the risk of endometriosis. Women with multiple adversities had a 60% higher risk. The study shows how early-life stress affects inflammation.

Circular RNAs are crucial for development, thought and synaptic function, yet their high prevalence in neurons has long been a scientific mystery.

In a 36-week study, semaglutide was found to aid in weight loss for people with schizophrenia without worsening psychotic symptoms. Participants lost nearly 14% of body weight, and there was an improvement in lean mass to fat mass ratio.

Researchers modeled human decision-making strategies in a ball-in-maze task. They identified two main strategies: hierarchical and counterfactual reasoning. The study highlighted how people rely on these strategies when faced with complex problems.