Discovery of a new function performed by nearly half of brain cells – Neuroscience News

Discovery of a new function performed by nearly half of brain cells – Neuroscience News

Summary: The release of potassium ions by neurons charges the electrical activity of astrocytes, allowing the control of neurotransmission. Astrocyte-neuron crosstalk raises questions about how the interaction works in brain pathology and the implications for memory and learning. Source: Tufts University Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have discovered a previously unknown function performed…

Why hugs are so nice: Scientists discover a circuit that transmits a “nice touch” to the brain

Why hugs are so nice: Scientists discover a circuit that transmits a “nice touch” to the brain

Hugs, holding hands and stroking give us a psychological boost that is known to be important for emotional well-being and healthy development. But until now, it was not known why we derive pleasure from this kind of touch. Today, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a neural circuit that…

New Brain Stimulation Treatments Help Smokers Quit – Neuroscience News

New Brain Stimulation Treatments Help Smokers Quit – Neuroscience News

Summary: Noninvasive brain stimulation can improve smoking abstinence rates for 3-6 months after quitting smoking. Source: Society for the Study of Addiction A new systematic review published by the scientific journal Addiction found that noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) can improve smoking abstinence rates 3–6 months after quitting, compared to sham brain stimulation. In recent years,…