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The image illustrates the relationship between the brain and gut in humans.
A Novel Tool to Explore the Gut-brain Connection
Anna Napolitano, PhD | Aug 28, 2023 | 3 min read
Scientists used a vibrating capsule to assess people’s gut sensitivities and understand how the brain interprets these signals.  
Image representing states of consciousness
High Time: The Roles of Endogenous Psychedelics
Iris Kulbatski, PhD | Aug 1, 2023 | 2 min read
Steven Barker is on a forty-seven-year-long journey to understand the mind-blowing science of psychedelics.
The image shows a brain section of the mouse amygdala. Using fluorescent markers, the expression of synapses is shown in purple, while neurons are shown as red dots and the microRNA miR-483-5p is shown as green dots.
A Brain MicroRNA Curbs Anxiety
Mariella Bodemeier Loayza Careaga, PhD | Aug 1, 2023 | 2 min read
Upregulation of a specific microRNA in the brain lessened anxiety and reduced the expression of stress-related genes in mice. 
Brain cell in purple on a black background. Arc mRNAs are labeled green and are mainly localized in the cell nucleus and in the dendrites.
Short-lived Molecules Support Long-term Memory 
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Jun 6, 2023 | 3 min read
A gene essential for information storage in the brain engages an autoregulatory feedback loop to consolidate memory.
EKG readout
The Circadian Rhythm of the Heart Rate
Katherine Paulin, PhD | May 31, 2023 | 3 min read
The sympathetic nervous system influences gene expression in the heart to regulate the day-night cycle of resting heart rate.
White mouse at the edge of a desk
The Heart Can Directly Influence Our Emotions
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Mar 1, 2023 | 4 min read
Researchers find that an increased heart rate can induce anxiety in mice, given the right context.
Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie and sides on a table
The Smell of Food Affects Metabolism in Fasting Mice
Shafaq Zia | Nov 18, 2022 | 3 min read
The odor prompted the animals’ fat cells to release lipids into circulation.
A mouse brain showing activated neurons (white) in the brainstem 3 hours after LPS injection.
Research Pinpoints the Neurons Behind Feeling Sick
James M. Gaines | Sep 23, 2022 | 5 min read
Specific neurons in the brainstem control sickness behaviors not directly caused by a pathogen, such as tiredness and lack of appetite, a mouse study finds.
Adipose tissue under the microscope appearing as red blobs on a white background
Mouse Brains Appear to Eavesdrop on Their Fat
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Sep 9, 2022 | 4 min read
For the first time, a team visualizes sensory nerves projecting into adipose tissue in mice and finds these neuronal cells may counteract the local effects of the sympathetic nervous system.
Scientist hunched over a lab workbench in exhaustion
Neurotransmitter Buildup May Be Why Your Brain Feels Tired
Andy Carstens | Aug 11, 2022 | 4 min read
Performing complex cognitive tasks leads to glutamate accumulating in a key region of the brain, a study finds, which could explain why mental labor is so exhausting.
gray mouse drinking from water bottle in cage
“Feel-Good” Neurons Steer Mice Toward Hydration-Boosting Liquids
Shafaq Zia | Jul 19, 2022 | 3 min read
The cells signal to the brain how hydrating particular beverages are, but it’s not yet clear whether they play a similar role in humans.
multiple generations of family members eating at outdoor table
Sun Exposure Triggers Hunger in Men but Not Women, Study Suggests
Shafaq Zia | Jul 12, 2022 | 4 min read
Ultraviolet radiation leads to secretion of an appetite-boosting hormone in male mice, but experts say it’s not yet clear whether the mechanism applies to humans.
Two women in athletic clothing smiling at each other.
Study: People “Click” Better When Their Body Odor Matches
Dan Robitzski | Jun 24, 2022 | 6 min read
Pairs of same-sex friends who reported strong connections when they first met had similar body odors, and body odor similarity predicted whether two strangers would hit it off.
A model of a brain made of many stacked, thin layers of brightly-colored material.
Neurons Damaged in Dementia Recognize Interruptions to Patterns
Anna Napolitano, PhD | Mar 16, 2022 | 4 min read
A new study reveals a network of neurons that, when disrupted, impairs adaptation to new circumstances in several types of dementia.
Two men wearing coats and hats who are standing side-by-side on a sidewalk walk towards the camera with the assistance of walkers.
Within Hours, Surgical Implant Lets Paralyzed Patients Walk
Dan Robitzski | Feb 8, 2022 | 2 min read
Multiple clinical trial participants who have severe spinal injuries were able to stand, walk, and perform specific activities after just one day of using an implant surgically embedded in their spines.
Variety of sweeteners - Stevia, sugar, pollen and honey stock photo
How the Gut Differentiates Artificial Sweeteners from Sugars
Chloe Tenn | Jan 21, 2022 | 5 min read
Signals from sweeteners and sugars are relayed from the gut to the brain by different neural pathways, a new study concludes.
mice on wheel and ground
Exercise-Associated Protein Boosts Brain Function in Mice
Chloe Tenn | Dec 9, 2021 | 5 min read
A study that transfused plasma from active to inactive mice suggests the protein clusterin enhances cognition.
MUSCLE CONTROL: Researchers pinpoint how C. elegans (pictured) manages to expel food from its mouth.
The Science Behind How Roundworms Spit
Diana Kwon | Dec 1, 2021 | 4 min read
By viewing countless hours of expectorating worms, researchers discover a unique way in which neurons control the movement of muscles.
Cute sleeping newborn baby child on mother hands stock photo
Exposure to Chemical from Babies Linked to Aggression
Chloe Tenn | Nov 22, 2021 | 3 min read
A study finds that the odorless compound hexadecanal, or HEX, increases aggressive behavior in women but has a calming effect on men.
illustration of a broken DNA strand
DNA Damage Makes Zebrafish Sleepy
Sophie Fessl, PhD | Nov 18, 2021 | 4 min read
Buildup of a DNA-repair protein in brain cells spurs shut-eye in the fish, a study finds, and similar results in mice suggest the mechanism is widespread in animals.
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