#Amygdala

A groundbreaking study has revealed that scents can fundamentally alter decision-making in mammals by forging indirect associations in the brain—findings that may pave the way for innovative treatments for mental health conditions in humans. The new research, conducted by a multidisciplinary team led by a doctoral student and supervised by a leading neuroscientist, used behavioral experiments in mice to explore how the brain’s response to smells influences future choices—offering important insights for both science and society.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have uncovered a crucial mechanism in the brain, revealing how dopamine—commonly known as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter—not only signals danger, but actively helps the brain unlearn fear. The findings, reported this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could revolutionize potential treatments for anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), providing hope for millions worldwide—including those struggling in Thailand with trauma-related conditions (SciTechDaily).

In an intriguing development, scientists are uncovering the intricate workings of the brain that signal when we need to eat or drink. A recent study conducted by the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, in collaboration with the University of Regensburg and Stanford University, has found critical insights into how specific neurons within the brain’s amygdala may drive our basic urges to eat and drink. This discovery not only adds depth to our understanding of these essential functions but also opens new avenues for tackling conditions like obesity, anorexia, and even addiction.