Brain Research
Scientists discover brain circuit driving alcohol addiction relapse
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Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a brain region that becomes hyperactive in rats, linking alcohol to relief from withdrawal stress and promoting relapse. The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus plays a key role in this negative reinforcement learning. The findings, published on August 5, 2025, could inform treatments for addiction and related disorders.
Human Studies Expand on Transcranial Ultrasound
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New human studies on transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) demonstrated its ability to alter perception, mood, and decision-making, with expansions reported on September 9, 2025.
Brain's superior colliculus rotates to focus on sounds
Researchers have discovered that a part of the brain physically swivels to help focus on sounds coming from different directions. This finding, based on experiments in mice, reveals a new mechanism for auditory attention similar to how eyes move for vision. The study was led by scientists at University College London and published in Nature.
Scientists uncover brain circuit that overrides chronic pain
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a group of brainstem neurons that can suppress chronic pain signals when survival needs like hunger or fear arise. These Y1 receptor neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus act as a neural switchboard, prioritizing urgent biological demands over persistent discomfort. The discovery, published in Nature, offers potential new avenues for pain treatments.