Research Keyword: dopamine

Use of a microbial endocrinology designed dopamine-producing probiotic to control gut neurochemical levels associated with the development of gut inflammation

Researchers developed a special probiotic bacteria (Enterococcus faecium) that produces dopamine, a mood-boosting chemical, to reduce inflammation in chickens’ digestive systems. When combined with L-dopa (a dopamine precursor found in Mucuna beans), this probiotic successfully lowered levels of norepinephrine, a stress chemical that promotes gut inflammation. This approach could help poultry farmers improve chicken health and growth without using antibiotics, which are no longer permitted in feed.

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Anhedonia: Current and future treatments

Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure from activities, which is a significant problem affecting many people with depression and other psychiatric conditions. This review examined many different treatments for anhedonia including medications, brain stimulation techniques, and psychological therapies. The research shows that newer medications like vortioxetine and ketamine work better for anhedonia than older antidepressants, and combining multiple approaches including therapy and lifestyle changes gives the best results.

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Antioxidative Activities of Micronized Solid-State Cultivated Hericium erinaceus Rich in Erinacine A against MPTP-Induced Damages

Researchers tested a processed form of Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) to see if it could protect against Parkinson’s disease-like damage in mice. The mushroom mycelium was specially processed to break down cell walls and increase its effectiveness. When given to mice exposed to a Parkinson’s-causing toxin, the mushroom treatment restored dopamine levels and reduced harmful oxidative stress in the brain and liver in a dose-dependent manner.

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Developmental Neurotoxicity Screen of Psychedelics and Other Drugs of Abuse in Larval Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Researchers tested 13 mind-altering drugs on developing zebrafish to see if they cause birth defects or behavioral problems. They found that psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine were relatively safe for developing organisms, but traditional drugs of abuse like cocaine and methamphetamine caused significant behavioral changes without obvious physical defects. The study provides important safety information for these compounds, especially for pregnant or nursing individuals considering their use for therapeutic purposes.

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Universal Platform Based on Carbon Nanotubes Functionalised with Carboxylic Acid Groups for Multi-Analyte Enzymatic Biosensing

Scientists have created a tiny biosensor platform using carbon nanotubes that can detect multiple important molecules in blood and food simultaneously. The sensor uses special enzymes that recognize glucose, lactate, glutamate, and dopamine, making it useful for monitoring diabetes, fatigue levels, and brain chemistry. By adding another enzyme called catalase, the sensor works even better and across a wider range of concentrations. Tests on real blood and food samples show the sensor accurately measures these important biomarkers, making it potentially valuable for both health monitoring and food quality testing.

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A dopamine-gated learning circuit underpins reproductive state-dependent odor preference in Drosophila females

Female fruit flies change their food preferences after mating, becoming attracted to nutrients important for egg production. This study reveals that during mating, pheromone detection triggers dopamine-driven changes in the fly’s brain learning center. These neural changes essentially ‘remember’ mating experience and reprogram the female’s sense of smell, even though the sensory neurons return to normal within hours. This demonstrates how an animal can learn from mating experience to make better nutritional choices as a mother.

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