Neurobiology
What makes us different - chance in brain development and its consequences for individuality
Why are we all different? This is one of the oldest and most contested scientific questions. Naturally, the brain is often the focus of these discussions, as it is the control center for our body and behavior. The debate of "nature vs nurture" tried to... click to read more
A contributing gene for cannabis dependence
It's easy to see how certain traits can be linked back to your genetics, such as your hair color or height. It's also undeniable that some mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, have a strong genetic link. More recently, substance use disorder - a category... click to read more
Why extreme lack of sleep can kill you
Most of us are familiar with the unpleasant changes to our mood, and our ability to think, even after a single sleepless night. An alarming fact is that up to 50% of adults worldwide are estimated to regularly skimp on sleep. Sleep ensures proper brain function,... click to read more
The role of maternal malnutrition on Zika virus congenital effects
During pregnancy, a variety of complex processes are orchestrated to develop healthy tissues and organs of the developing fetus. Although there are buffering mechanisms that prevent development from being disturbed, some factors could lead to malformations. These factors are known as teratogens. Some pathogens causing... click to read more
Where mind meets body: a master brain circuit for stress responses
When feeling stressed or nervous, you notice the pounding heart, pale face, and dry mouth – fundamental autonomic responses to psychological stress. Stress responses are conserved in many mammalian species and thought to be beneficial for wild animals, such as when they encounter their enemies. ... click to read more
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