Tag

Fear Circuitry

All articles tagged with #fear circuitry

neuroscience1 year ago

"Decoding the Brain's Fear Circuitry for Survival"

Scientists have discovered a new neural pathway connecting the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala that regulates the brain's transition to high-intensity fear responses, crucial for survival. Dysregulation of this pathway can lead to psychiatric illnesses like PTSD and anxiety disorders. The study utilized advanced techniques in mice to uncover and manipulate this pathway, offering potential for therapeutic interventions and a better understanding of fear response mechanisms.

health2 years ago

The Surprising Impact of Contraceptive Pills on Women's Brain Functions

Scientists have discovered a potential link between the use of oral contraceptives and changes in the brain regions responsible for processing fear. The study found that women who currently use combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have a thinner ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) compared to men. However, this effect appears to be reversible, as those who stopped using contraceptives or had never used them did not show the same change. While there are no known negative effects associated with these brain changes, further research is needed to understand the implications. The study highlights the need for more research on women's health and the potential impact of hormonal contraceptives on brain structure.