amygdala

Upregulation of a specific microRNA in the brain lessened anxiety and reduced the expression of stress-related genes in mice. 

Study finds that, contrary to what other research has found, a popular meditation course does not appear to alter brain structure.

A CRISPR-based system that reverses epigenetic changes caused by adolescent binge drinking reduces adult addiction-like behaviors in rats, a study finds, suggesting that an epigenomic approach could someday help treat people with alcohol use disorder.

Research in mice and humans points to oxidative stress and inflammation as likely drivers of noise-induced health effects such as hypertension and heart disease.

A chronically stressed amygdala can prime the heart to overreact to acute stress events, a new study shows.

A study in people fails to detect differences in the brain’s response to fear or anxiety, long thought to be controlled by different neural circuits.

People who show low social engagement over long periods of time often show reductions in cognitive function. Studies of the brain may provide clues about this correlation.

An unusual experiment suggests that interrupted REM sleep can interfere with the amygdala’s ability to process emotional memories overnight—in this case, the distressing memories of listening to oneself sing out of tune.

Researchers determine the neurological mechanics underpinning a technique to extinguish fearful memories using goal-directed eye movements.

Researchers map brain activity associated with a person’s anticipation of or direct confrontation with danger.

The brain is activated differently when it’s contemplating, rather than directly facing, a threat.

Meet some of the people featured in the November 2017 issue of The Scientist.

A set of neurons in the brain’s central amygdala plays a key role in forming memories of aversive experiences, scientists find in mice.  

Recording from single neurons of epilepsy patients, neuroscientists show that both the strength and timing of neuronal firing are important to consciously perceive a visual object. 

A new study reveals how the amygdala is involved in controlling predatory behavior in mice.

As people continue to tell tall tales, fMRI data show certain brain regions become less busy.

Analyzing the acoustical qualities of screams and other sounds, researchers pinpoint why people find screams—and emergency vehicle sirens—frightening.

Rodent pups can learn to fear a stimulus through the odor signals given by their mother.

Repeated exposure to fear-associated stimuli during short bouts of sleep made study participants less frightened of related provocations once they awoke.