All articles tagged with #brain rewiring
Research shows that delivering the protein pleiotrophin (Ptn) to astrocytes in the brain can reverse neural connection and activity changes in mouse models of Down syndrome, suggesting potential for future therapies targeting brain wiring in neurodevelopmental disorders.
A study using engineered viruses in mice suggests that psilocybin may help break depressive cycles by rewiring brain connections, particularly reducing negative feedback loops associated with rumination, which could explain its positive effects in treating depression. The findings highlight potential for combining psychedelics with neuromodulation techniques for targeted mental health therapies.
A study reveals that past injuries can cause long-lasting changes in the brain, making individuals more sensitive to stress, pain, and fear even after healing, through mechanisms involving stress hormones and the TRPA1 receptor, which may inform new treatments for chronic pain and stress-related disorders.
Childhood trauma causes lasting changes in the brain and immune system through neuroinflammation, increasing the risk of psychiatric disorders later in life. New research by Dr. Sara Poletti highlights the potential for early detection and targeted interventions using biological markers, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed policies and preventive strategies.
A new study in mice has found that just one night of sleep deprivation can rewire the brain and reverse feelings of depression for days. Researchers observed that sleep-deprived mice exhibited more aggressive and hypersexualized behavior, which was linked to increased dopamine signaling in the brain. Silencing dopamine inputs in the prefrontal cortex prevented the antidepressant effect, suggesting that this region could be a potential therapeutic target. While the study provides insights into the brain changes associated with sleep deprivation and mood, chronic sleep deprivation can have detrimental effects, highlighting the need for improved understanding and new therapies for depression.
A study conducted by Northwestern University has found that temporary sleep deprivation, such as pulling an all-nighter, can have antidepressant effects and rewire the brain. The study, conducted on mice, showed that even one night of sleep deprivation led to hyperactive, hypersexual, and aggressive behaviors, as well as increased activity in dopamine neurons. The researchers identified the prefrontal cortex as the region responsible for the antidepressant effects of sleep deprivation. However, the benefits are short-lived, and chronic sleep deprivation can have detrimental long-term effects on cognitive health and mental well-being.
A study conducted by Rutgers University has used neuroimaging to demonstrate how chronic cocaine addiction alters the brain's reward evaluation system, impacting adaptive behavior. The research focused on "reward prediction errors" and found that cocaine users exhibited riskier decision-making strategies and weaker neural error signals in response to unexpected rewards or their absence. These findings provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of cocaine addiction and may lead to more effective treatment options in the future.
A study conducted on mice suggests that pregnancy leads to permanent rewiring of neurons in the brain, triggered by changes in hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. The research provides insights into the influence of hormones on behavior and could contribute to a better understanding of parenting behavior and postpartum mental health in humans. The findings indicate that the brain undergoes preparations for parenting even before birth, with changes in brain volume and activity persisting long after pregnancy. While hormonal changes play a role in parenting behavior, other factors such as environmental influences also contribute in humans. The study highlights the complexity of parenting and the importance of understanding hormone signaling in the brain.