prefrontal cortex

Gut Microbiome and Depression in Children: How Missing Amino Acids May Drive the Connection

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TL;DR: Dysbiotic bacteria in depressed adolescents cannot synthesize lysine and tryptophan, starving the brain of amino acids needed for glutamate transport and serotonin production—a causative link proven by transplanting dysbiotic bacteria into healthy rats. Depression in adolescents has tripled in the past two decades. Most treatments target a single neurotransmitter—serotonin. But a landmark multi-omics study …

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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) of Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Seems Effective for Depression & Anxiety (2024 Review)

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Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at 2-mA intensity effectively alleviates depressive symptoms and shows promise in reducing anxiety symptoms across various clinical conditions. Highlights: tDCS targeting the left DLPFC significantly reduces depressive symptoms, highlighting it as a transdiagnostic neural mechanism across diverse clinical conditions. The meta-analysis showed that …

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rTMS of Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DL-PFC) May Treat Methamphetamine Addiction via Altering Cravings & Decision Making (2024 Study)

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Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) improves decision-making and reduces cravings in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Highlights: Improved Decision-Making: rTMS treatment enhanced decision-making abilities in MUD patients, making their choices more rational and similar to healthy individuals. Craving Reduction: Participants experienced a significant decrease in cravings for …

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Chess Experts Differ in Chunk Memory & Brain Connectivity vs. Novices (2024 Study)

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Expert chess players use chunk memory to make better decisions, showing unique brain connectivity that helps them perform well even against tougher opponents. Highlights: Consistent Performance: Expert chess players perform equally well regardless of the difficulty level, unlike beginners whose performance drops with increased difficulty. Stronger Brain Connections: Experts show stronger connections in specific brain …

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Neural Activity in Brain-Machine Interface Manual Reaching Task (Rhesus Monkey Study)

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Researchers have gained new understanding of how the brain controls movement using both overt motor control and brain-machine interface (BMI) control. Their findings provide insight into the distinct neural processes involved in BMI control compared to natural movement. Key Facts: Rhesus monkeys were trained to control a cursor using either overt arm movements or a …

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Focused Ultrasound Stimulation of the Prefrontal Cortex Treats Depression in Mice

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A new study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry provides promising evidence that focused ultrasound stimulation of the prefrontal cortex can alleviate depressive behaviors in mice by suppressing inflammatory responses. Key facts: Researchers stimulated the prefrontal cortex of mice with focused ultrasound for 30 minutes. Mice treated with ultrasound showed less depressive behaviors compared to sham …

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Narcissism & Brain Structure: Neural Correlates of Narcissistic Traits

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A new neuroimaging study has uncovered associations between subclinical narcissistic traits and regional grey matter volumes in the brain, specifically in the insular cortex and multiple prefrontal regions. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Jena in Germany, provides novel evidence that narcissistic personality tendencies are linked to structural variations in brain networks …

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Bipolar Mania & Brain Activation: Right Ventral PFC & Limbic Dysfunction

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Mania is characterized by emotional dysregulation, sleep disturbances, and impaired judgment. Understanding its underlying brain circuitry could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment. Key Facts: Mania involves decreased activity in the right ventral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and increased activity in the left amygdala, left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and left basal ganglia. This lateralized limbic …

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TDCS for Depression: At-Home Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

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A new study shows that delivering brain stimulation with mild electric current to the forehead at home could be an effective treatment option for people with depression. Key facts: The study tested at-home transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in 16 people with moderate to severe depression. Participants had 28 sessions of tDCS over 6 weeks, …

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Marijuana & Early-Onset Dementia (Age 34): Case Report Involving Cannabis Abuse

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A recent case report describes a 34-year old man who developed a rare form of early onset dementia after two years of heavy marijuana use. While concerning, experts say more research is needed to understand the potential risks of cannabis on the developing brain. Key Facts: The man developed frontotemporal dementia, a disorder causing personality …

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