Kairos Integration的动态

?? Unlocking Emotional Regulation: The Role of ITC Clusters in the Amygdala ?? Recent research has unveiled the critical function of intercalated cell (ITC) clusters within the amygdala, revealing their significance in assigning emotional meaning to environmental cues. These specialized neurons not only exhibit unique anatomical and molecular characteristics but also adapt their connections based on experiences, showcasing remarkable plasticity. ? Key Findings: - ITCs enhance the amygdala's ability to process complex emotional stimuli. - Neuromodulatory systems regulate ITC activity, linking physiological states with emotional behaviors. - Experience-driven plasticity leads to long-term changes in behavioral responses. This groundbreaking understanding could pave the way for targeted therapies addressing emotional and behavioral disorders. Discover more about how these neural mechanisms shape our responses and interactions by clicking on the link! #Amygdala #BehavioralScience #EmotionalRegulation #ITCClusters #Neuroscience #Publications #MarketAccess #MarketAccessToday

Quite an interesting study that shows that self-awareness as a key to well-being and happiness may be encoded in our genetics - such that it can influence our longevity. To me, this reinforces the neuroplasticity identified in the field of emotional intelligence and its development. https://lnkd.in/eZm7nXS9

How the Brain Toggles Female Sexual Rejection and Acceptance A new study uncovers how progesterone-responsive neurons in the anterior ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) toggle between sexual receptivity and rejection in female mice. These neurons are highly active during rejection behaviors, such as kicking or boxing males, when females are outside their fertile phase. During fertility, these neurons receive inhibitory signals, reducing their activity and enabling mating. Using advanced techniques like optogenetics, researchers confirmed that activating these neurons induces rejection even in fertile females, while silencing them decreases rejection behaviors without triggering receptivity. ?????????? ???????? ???????? ???????????????????????? ??????????????!

The neural underpinnings of pleasure and pain or combined manifestations of both is a research field still in its infancy. Even though investigations of the pathways from skin to brain and the resulting sensations are acquiring new experimental perspectives and protocols, the results vary significantly depending on the analytic algorithm used and the parameters therein. Pain and pleasure have contributed significantly to the evolution of multiple signaling cascades in the nervous system during phylogeny, as well as, ontogeny. Coupling the study of pain and pleasure with neuropsychiatric disorders would be phenomenal if novel strategies are envisioned and designed. As an aside, the initial manifestations of certain genetic disorders are aberrations in the response to especially painful stimuli. What a rich repertoire of models could be awaiting further exploration!

Epigenetics plays a role in memory formation! https://lnkd.in/gRdcCeH3

Researchers have discovered that repeated exposure to methamphetamine and PCP induces neurotransmitter switching in neurons within the medial prefrontal cortex, leading to cognitive impairments such as memory deficits. This finding suggests a shared, reversible biological mechanism underlying drug-induced cognitive deficits.

?? A new 2024 study using AI is the first to measure the transcription of the entire genome in relation to human personality, recently published in?Molecular Psychiatry (Nature)! ?? The multi-and interdisciplinary study was carried out in collaboration with Prof. Robert Cloninger (Washington University in St.?Louis) whose works I've studied during my academics thanks to Ospedale San Raffaele Sez. Turro. ?? The results showed that certain outlooks on life are conducive to a healthy, fulfilling and long life, while others lead to a stressful, unhealthy and short life. ??The study analysed the regulation of gene expression in these individuals, taking into account 3 levels of self-awareness that were measured through their combined temperament + character profiles. These levels were designated “unregulated” — individuals dominated by irrational emotions and habits associated with their traditions and obedience to authority, “organised” — self-sufficient individuals intentionally regulating their habits and cooperating with others for mutual benefit, and lastly, “creative” — self-transcendent individuals who adapt to live in harmony with others, with nature or with the universe, even if this requires occasional personal sacrifices. ?????? The researchers showed that the changes in the patterns of interaction between these modules were orchestrated by two sub-networks. One network regulated #emotional #reactivity (anxiety, fear, etc.), while the other regulated what a person perceives as meaningful (e.g. production of #concepts and #language). “What’s most remarkable is the fact that the networks for emotion and meaning are coordinated by a control centre made up of six genes,” notes ?????? Elisa Bolívar, “highly preserved throughout evolution, from single-celled organisms to modern humans. This finding confirms their #beneficial role in regulating the functioning of all forms of life on Earth,” she adds. The UGR’s Igor Zwir explains: “In previous research, those with greater self-awareness (the #creative #group) reported greater well-being compared to the organised and unregulated groups. We have now shown that these levels of self-awareness are also strongly associated with gene expression in the same order (creative > organised > unregulated). This suggests that a person can improve their health and well-being by cultivating a more self-transcendent and creative outlook on life.” ????♀? Nevertheless, treatments that promote greater #selftranscendence and #mindfulness have also been shown to contribute to improvements in all aspects of health, including physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being. It is therefore plausible that the regulation of gene expression is the real mediator in this association. Reference:?del Val C, Díaz de la Guardia-Bolívar E, Zwir I, et al. Gene expression networks regulated by human personality. Mol Psychiatry. 2024. doi: 10.1038/s41380-024-02484-x #neurogenomics #AI #behaviouralneurosciences

Interesting read.

How Do Emotional Experiences Shape Behavior? Scientists have discovered a fascinating process in the brain! A special RNA molecule, Npas4 enhancer RNA, acts like a molecular switch, turning emotional experiences into lasting changes in behavior. It creates a unique structure that activates the Npas4 gene, which helps us adapt to stress but can also contribute to mood disorders or addiction. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for mental health challenges, offering hope for those affected by chronic stress or substance use disorders. Read the full article below: https://lnkd.in/eCXCh88i #Neuroscience #MentalHealth #BrainScience #AddictionResearch #muschealth #changingwhatspossible #research MUSC Health MUSC College of Medicine Medical University of South Carolina MUSC Children's Health MUSC College of Health Professions MUSC College of Graduate Studies The National Institutes of Health Rose Marie Akiki

Next Friday, December 13th, from The Chicago School in partnership with The Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis "The Suggestible Brain: From Magic to Science" presented by Dr. Amir Raz. https://lnkd.in/e4uzcjAf This intermediate level program will explain how suggestion influences behavior, perception, and decision-making by exploring the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie suggestibility, and encourage participants to analyze the ways in which suggestion can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes, such as #PainManagement, treatment of #MentalHealth disorders, and placebo effects. Participants will also discuss the #ethical dimensions of using suggestion in areas like #marketing, #politics, and #therapy, and consider the societal implications of mass suggestibility, manipulation, and misinformation. #ContinuingEducation #CEs #CEUs #Hypnosis #ThePowerofSuggestion