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Artist’s rendition of neural connections, with inactive neurons in the background
Ketamine Flips a “Switch” in Mice’s Brain Circuitry: Study
After injecting moderate doses of the dissociative anesthetic into the animals, previously “awake” brain cells go dark, and those that had been dormant suddenly light up.
Ketamine Flips a “Switch” in Mice’s Brain Circuitry: Study
Ketamine Flips a “Switch” in Mice’s Brain Circuitry: Study

After injecting moderate doses of the dissociative anesthetic into the animals, previously “awake” brain cells go dark, and those that had been dormant suddenly light up.

After injecting moderate doses of the dissociative anesthetic into the animals, previously “awake” brain cells go dark, and those that had been dormant suddenly light up.

neural activation, neuroscience

Images from a novel brain imaging technique, DIANA
New MRI Technique Tracks Brain Activity at Millisecond Timescales
Catherine Offord | Oct 14, 2022 | 4 min read
The method, dubbed “DIANA,” could transform neuroscientists’ understanding of how the brain works, researchers say—though for now, it’s only been tested in anesthetized mice.
Conceptual image of blue neurons with glowing segments over blue background.
CRACK Method Reveals Novel Neuron Type in Mouse Brain
Dan Robitzski | Apr 18, 2022 | 3 min read
A new technique reveals cells’ precise locations and functions in the brain. Its developers have already used it to identify a previously unknown neuron type.
Illustration of a Macaque viewing patterns of dots on a screen
Infographic: Single-Cell Recordings Identify “Number Neurons”
Catherine Offord | Oct 1, 2021 | 1 min read
Some nerve cells in the brains of macaques respond selectively to particular numbers, hinting at a specialized pathway for extracting information about numerical quantity.
Photograph of a mouse covering his face with his paw.
Bless You: Mouse Model Reveals Molecular Pathway Behind Sneezing
Amanda Heidt | Oct 1, 2021 | 3 min read
Researchers have identified specific cells and neuropeptides involved in mediating the sneeze response in mice exposed to allergens or chemical irritants such as capsaicin.
Illustration showing how a mouse study identifies the brain regions and specific signaling factors that regulate the sneeze response.
Infographic: The Neural Pathway of Sneezing
Amanda Heidt | Oct 1, 2021 | 1 min read
A mouse study identifies the brain regions and specific signaling factors that regulate the sneeze response.
Deep Brain Optogenetic Control Without Implants
Ruth Williams | Apr 30, 2020 | 3 min read
Engineering an ultra-sensitive light-activated ion channel into brain cells allows for the control of neurons in live animals without a brain-implanted light source.
Facial Expressions Decoded in Mice
Ruth Williams | Apr 2, 2020 | 3 min read
A combination of videography, machine learning, and brain imaging has identified facial expressions and neural activity patterns in mice that are associated with their emotions.
Increased Neuronal Activity Shortens Lifespan in Animals
Ruth Williams | Oct 16, 2019 | 3 min read
Suppressing the natural age-related increase in neuronal excitation lengthens the lives of worms, and there are indications that the same may be true for mice and humans.
Anesthesia drugs feature the scientist 2019
General Anesthesia Causes Telltale Brain Activity Patterns
Emery N. Brown and Francisco J. Flores | Mar 1, 2019 | 10+ min read
The drugs lead to widespread, predictable changes in brain waves that can help anesthesiologists personalize anesthesia and develop anesthetic-based treatments.
Honeybees Enter Virtual Reality So Scientists Can Study Their Brains
Jess Romeo | Feb 14, 2019 | 3 min read
Researchers record neurological changes in a region called the mushroom body in the brains of bees completing a maze in a virtual environment.
Infographic: What Makes a Brain Smart?
Shawna Williams | Nov 1, 2018 | 1 min read
Scientists have proposed a variety of features that influence one’s ability to remember things and solve problems.
Infographic: The Brain on Psychedelics
Diana Kwon | Aug 31, 2017 | 2 min read
Understanding how hallucinogenic drugs affect different neural networks could shed light on their therapeutic potential.
Behavior Circuits Mapped in Whole Fruit Fly Brain
Anna Azvolinsky | Jul 13, 2017 | 3 min read
Using machine learning, researchers have created extensive maps of the neuronal circuits associated with social and locomotion behaviors in the fruit fly. 
Simplified Magnetogenetics
Jef Akst | Mar 25, 2016 | 2 min read
A new technique allows researchers to rapidly and reversibly activate neurons with a magnetically sensitive protein.
Linking Neurons to Behaviors
Kate Yandell | Mar 27, 2014 | 3 min read
Researchers have created a brain-wide map detailing links between sets of activated neurons and behaviors in fruit fly larvae.
Watching the Brain Remember
Sabrina Richards | May 16, 2013 | 3 min read
For the first time, researchers visualize zebrafish memory retrieval in real time.
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