neurobiology – Page 2

Conditional deletion of ROCK2 induces anxiety-like behaviors and alters dendritic spine density and morphology on CA1 pyramidal neurons

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Researchers created mice with reduced ROCK2 protein in brain cells to understand how this protein affects behavior and brain structure. These mice showed anxiety-like behavior, avoiding open spaces and preferring darkness. The study found that ROCK2 affects the structure of dendritic spines, which are tiny branches on nerve cells that allow communication between neurons, particularly in the hippocampus region involved in learning and memory.

Behavioral dissection of hunger states in Drosophila

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Scientists studying fruit flies discovered that hunger comes in two types: the need-based hunger when your body needs nutrients, and pleasure-based hunger when you want tasty food. By carefully watching how flies eat under different food conditions and examining their brain activity, researchers identified specific brain structures (the mushroom body) and dopamine neurons that control the desire for delicious food. This finding helps us understand why we eat food we don’t need and could lead to better treatments for obesity and eating disorders.

Research Topic: neurobiology

Conditional deletion of ROCK2 induces anxiety-like behaviors and alters dendritic spine density and morphology on CA1 pyramidal neurons

Behavioral dissection of hunger states in Drosophila