All articles tagged with #brain chemistry
Research and expert insights explain why some people struggle to stop drinking despite negative consequences, highlighting the roles of brain wiring, psychological traits, environment, and the development of tolerance, with emphasis on the importance of support and behavioral change for those with alcohol use disorder.
A study using PET scans found that co-using cannabis and tobacco alters brain chemistry by increasing FAAH enzyme levels, which reduces the activity of the 'bliss molecule' anandamide, potentially explaining higher depression, anxiety, and addiction challenges in users of both substances. This research could guide new treatments for cannabis use disorder, especially among tobacco co-users.
A meta-analysis found that individuals with anxiety disorders have about 8% lower levels of choline in their brains, especially in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting a potential link between choline deficiency and anxiety, though more research is needed to determine if increasing choline intake can help reduce symptoms.
Research shows that individuals with anxiety disorders have about 8% lower levels of choline in their brains, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which may be linked to the condition. The study suggests that dietary intake of choline, found in foods like eggs, fish, and meat, could potentially influence brain chemistry and anxiety symptoms, although more research is needed. The findings highlight the importance of nutrition in mental health and the potential for nutritional approaches to aid in managing anxiety.
A study shows that co-using cannabis and tobacco increases FAAH enzyme levels in the brain, reducing the 'bliss molecule' anandamide, which may explain higher anxiety, depression, and difficulty quitting among co-users. This discovery offers a potential target for developing treatments for cannabis use disorder, especially in those who also use tobacco.
Research suggests that a unique enzyme variation in modern humans, resulting from a single amino acid change, may have enhanced our ability to seek water and adapt to resource-scarce environments, potentially contributing to our evolutionary success over extinct relatives like Neanderthals and Denisovans.
Scientists have identified a gene, ADSL, that differs between humans and Neanderthals, and changes in this gene may have contributed to human cognitive and behavioral advantages, potentially explaining why modern humans thrived while Neanderthals did not. Experiments in mice suggest that the human version of ADSL influences water-seeking behavior, hinting at its role in human evolution.
Scientists have uncovered how the brain's 5-HT1A serotonin receptor functions at the molecular level, revealing that a fat molecule in cell membranes influences its activity. This discovery could lead to more targeted and faster-acting treatments for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety by better understanding receptor signaling pathways and their modulation by drugs.
A study in Cell Metabolism found that intermittent fasting enhances sexual behavior in aging male mice by lowering brain serotonin levels through altered tryptophan metabolism, leading to increased reproductive success despite unchanged sperm and hormone levels.
Dr. William Li, a nutrition expert, recommends kiwifruit as a 'superfruit' for its ability to improve gut health and brain function. He claims that consuming just one kiwi a day can enhance the gut microbiome overnight, promoting beneficial bacteria growth. Dr. Li emphasizes the importance of dietary fibre and polyphenols found in kiwifruit over supplements for overall health improvement. NHS guidelines also support a fibre-rich diet for better digestion and gut health.
A recent study suggests that an imbalance in the levels of the brain chemicals glutamate and GABA in young women's brains may contribute to increased anxiety during adolescence. The research conducted by psychologists and neuroscientists at the University of Surrey found that an overactive braking system in the brain, particularly in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, could interfere with rational thinking during stressful situations, leading to heightened anxiety levels. Understanding these brain chemicals' fluctuations during important growth stages like adolescence could be crucial for identifying and addressing anxiety disorders, especially in young women.
A study from the University of Surrey suggests that the development of anxiety in young women may be linked to an imbalance between the brain chemicals GABA and glutamate. As young women mature, the levels of GABA increase while those of glutamate decrease, potentially indicating anxiety levels. This discovery offers promising insights into potential treatment avenues for girls and women dealing with anxiety, with the aim of empowering them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Scientists have discovered a "fear switch" in the brain that can be turned off, offering potential insights into treating anxiety and stress disorders. By studying mice, researchers found that a severe fright triggers a switch in neurotransmission from glutamate to GABA, sustaining a fear response. They also identified methods to suppress this switch, including using a virus to suppress the gene responsible for making GABA and administering the antidepressant fluoxetine immediately after a fright. This research provides a promising start towards developing targeted and specific interventions for fear-related disorders.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that dopamine, often associated with pleasure and reward, also plays a crucial role in reversal learning and adapting to new situations. Using brain imaging techniques and a specially designed task, researchers found that dopamine release in the striatum increased when participants faced rule changes, signaling the need for strategy adjustments. This release correlated with better performance on the task, indicating dopamine's role in learning from errors and adapting decisions. The study's findings suggest that dopamine is not just a "feel good" chemical, but also influences decision-making and adaptability, with potential implications for understanding neurological and psychiatric disorders with abnormal dopamine signaling.
Recent studies have suggested that oxytocin, a hormone associated with social bonding, may play a role in the mood-boosting and health benefits of running. Research in mice showed that exercise elevated oxytocin levels and improved social behavior and depression-like symptoms, which were reversed when oxytocin effects were blocked. However, studies in humans have yielded mixed results, with some suggesting that oxytocin levels in the brain may not change significantly during exercise. While the potential cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits of oxytocin are also being explored, it's clear that the relationship between running, oxytocin, and health is complex and requires further investigation.