Researchers at the University of Rochester have identified a potential treatment target for neuropsychiatric disorders like autism and schizophrenia during critical periods of brain development. By stimulating underperforming neurons in the dopamine system that connect to the frontal cortex, they were able to rescue structural brain deficiencies and potentially alter the course of the diseases, with long-lasting effects into adulthood. This discovery could lead to targeted interventions during key developmental windows, offering the possibility of changing the trajectory of these disorders.
Researchers at the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester have found that targeting underperforming dopamine neurons in mice during adolescence could offer a way to change the progression of neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism. Stimulating these neurons led to long-lasting changes and rectified structural brain deficiencies. The findings suggest that interventions during developmental windows could alter the course of these disorders.
A study published in the journal Cell Metabolism suggests that eating fatty or sugary snacks alters our brain activity and creates lasting preferences for these less healthy items. The study showed that fatty, sugary snacks activate the brain’s dopamine system, which gives people a feeling of motivation or reward. The research is the first to demonstrate in humans that even small dietary changes can rewire brain circuits and increase the long-term risk of overeating or weight gain.
