Search

The article discusses the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States, with a focus on the rise of fentanyl-related overdoses. It mentions that fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times stronger than heroin and has contributed to a significant increase in overdoses and deaths. The article highlights the potential benefits of a fentanyl vaccine in reducing addiction and overdose, but notes that further research and regulatory approval are needed. It also emphasizes the importance of harm reduction strategies, such as naloxone distribution and recovery support, in saving lives and helping individuals recover from addiction. The article concludes by sharing a personal story of recovery and emphasizes the need to address the impact of fentanyl on communities. [Extracted from the article]

Neuroscientist Luana Colloca is studying the placebo effect and its impact on pain relief. She has found that specific gene variants can influence the extent of someone's placebo response. Colloca and her colleagues are exploring ways to harness these effects to help manage pain and reduce the use of prescription opioids. They are also investigating the use of virtual reality as a tool to reduce pain and anxiety. Colloca's research has implications for personalized pain management and the potential to decrease dependence on opioid painkillers. [Extracted from the article]

The article highlights the importance of shifting from quick digital dopamine fixes to natural and sustainable activities that promote long-term contentment. Topics discussed include the benefits of natural activities like grounding, the importance of engaging in sustainable habits, and the impact of mindfulness on dopamine regulation.

This article delves into the topic of insect consciousness, specifically focusing on the research being conducted on fruit flies by scientists at the University of Queensland's Queensland Brain Institute. The researchers are studying the different states of fruit fly brains, such as awake, asleep, or anesthetized, to gain insights into the evolution of consciousness. The article also explores the historical views on animal consciousness and the ongoing debate among scientists regarding its definition and origins. It mentions the implications of research on animal consciousness for policy decisions, such as the UK government's updated Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act. The article raises the question of whether insects, particularly bees, have consciousness and emotional states. It presents studies suggesting that bees may have basic emotional states like optimism and pessimism, as well as the ability to distinguish between human faces. Different perspectives on insect consciousness are discussed, with some experts arguing that insects may possess a basic form of subjective experience. The article also highlights the ethical implications of insect consciousness, emphasizing the need for policymakers to consider the potential pain and suffering of insects in their decision-making. [Extracted from the article]

The typical conundrum with cannabis use by adolescents and first episode psychosis — which came first? — was displaced by Steven Batki, M.D. in a plenary session at the Cape Cod Symposium on Addictive Disorders (CCSAD) last week. Bakti, who is professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, presented his conclusions allowing the audience of some 1,000 to ask questions as he went along. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article delves into the resurgence of interest in music's therapeutic potential, spurred by recent advancements in neuroscience, highlighting its role in emotional regulation and cognitive engagement, especially in conjunction with conventional mental health treatments. It also examines the historical and cultural significance of music therapy, its impact on memory recall and emotional responses, and ongoing research efforts to understand the intricate connection.

Vaping, or using electronic cigarettes, is a popular trend that poses health risks, especially for young people. Despite being marketed with fruity flavors and promoted as a safer alternative to smoking, vapes contain harmful chemicals and can lead to severe nicotine addiction, mood disorders, and impaired brain development. The disposal of vapes also contributes to environmental pollution. Vaping can cause inflammation, cell death, gene expression changes, and other negative effects on the lungs and overall health. While vaping may be considered less harmful than smoking, it is still not without risks and can lead to cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, and exposure to toxic substances. The manufacturing of vapes in China lacks quality control, resulting in the presence of hazardous metals in the products. EVALI, a severe lung disease associated with vaping, has emerged in recent years and primarily affects young people. Vaping has evolved since its invention in 2003, with controversies and health concerns surrounding its use. The addictive nature of nicotine in vapes affects the brain's reward and reinforcement pathways, leading to dependence and potential cognitive impairments. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the addictive nature of smartphone usage, examining how digital stimuli trigger dopamine release and exploit cognitive vulnerabilities to keep users engaged. Topics include the role of intermittent rewards in reinforcing smartphone interactions, the social dynamics driving our digital behaviors, and the detrimental effects of smartphone addiction on productivity and mental health, as highlighted by behavioral studies and habit-forming models.

shopping / SHOP THE LOOK Dopamine decor Introduce plenty of colour into your home, like Erica has, for a joyful and uplifting look – if you're not confident, start with [...]

Dopamine dressing is a hack that some fashion fans use to feel better via clothes. Hannah Barnthouse, a business owner known for dopamine dressing, told Business Insider how to do [...]

2024 APR 13 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Investigators publish new report on Genomics and Genetics. According to news reporting [...]

The article presents the discussion on genetic tests later diagnosed Audrey with a condition known as aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. Topics include enzyme being critical for making the brain signaling chemicals dopamine and serotonin; and suffering from an inherited genetic disorder called ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency causing toxic levels of ammonia.

The article focuses on Parkinson's disease (PD), its historical background, pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, and treatment options. Topics include the history of PD's nomenclature, its underlying mechanisms involving dopamine production and Lewy body deposition, as well as various treatment approaches, including medications, deep brain stimulation, and the potential benefits of massage therapy for PD patients.

Parkinsonʼs disease (PD), a neurological disorder, is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra. Its incidence increases with age. Salidroside, a phenolic compound extracted from Sedum roseum , reportedly has multiple biological and pharmacological activities in the nervous system. However, its effects on PD remain unclear. In this review, we summarize the effects of salidroside on PD with regard to DA metabolism, neuronal protection, and glial activation. In addition, we summarize the susceptibility genes and their underlying mechanisms related to antioxidation, inflammation, and autophagy by regulating mitochondrial function, ubiquitin, and multiple signaling pathways involving NF- κ B, mTOR, and PI3K/Akt. Although recent studies were based on animal and cellular experiments, this review provides evidence for further clinical utilization of salidroside for PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diagnosis that used to be for substance abuse now controversially spans all sorts of behaviours. Moya Sarner digs into the science [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses attention deficit hypertension disorder (ADHD). Topics discussed include parietal cortex that helps in types of sensory information and helps in focusing attention, chemical messenger dopamine's roles in motivation, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) handbook that is in fifth edition.

The shorter the amount of time between administration and a drug's effects, the more addictive it is. This has been known for decades. It's one of the reasons why smoking nicotine is so addictive — smoking as a route of administration goes directly from the lungs to the brain. This applies to crack cocaine as well. Insufflation (through the nose) is also very rapid. Injection into a vein is not as fast as inhalation, as the drug must first go through the bloodstream to get to the brain, but it is very fast. Slowest of all is oral administration, especially "extended release" therapeutic formulations. But a new clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) suggests that a "salience network" in the brain is responsible for the difference between intravenous and oral response to a drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article from Brainspace explores the role of dopamine in our addiction to social media. The human brain uses neurotransmitters to send signals between different parts of the body, and dopamine is one such neurotransmitter. When we receive a notification or like on social media, dopamine is released in our brain's reward center, creating a pleasurable experience. Dr. Donald Weaver, a researcher at the Krembil Research Institute, suggests that our easy access to dopamine through smartphones and social media may be contributing to addiction. It is important to use smartphones and social media in moderation for our mental health. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on how to satisfy sweet cravings during the holiday season without overindulging in sugar. Topics include strategies for enjoying treats without making them off-limits, the benefits of balancing sugary foods with fiber and protein, and the importance of not consuming sweets on an empty stomach to avoid blood sugar spikes.

The article discusses a study on the early disruption of entorhinal dopamine in a knock-in model of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that dopamine neurons projecting to the lateral entorhinal cortex become dysfunctional in early stages of Alzheimer's, leading to memory impairments. Reactivation of these dopamine fibers or treatment with L-DOPA improved associative learning behavior, suggesting a potential target for clinical investigation in Alzheimer's patients. The study highlights the importance of understanding the role of dopamine in memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Queen's University in Kingston, Canada, conducted a study on Parkinson's disease patients to investigate how genetic variation in the dopamine system affects decision-making during mixed-strategy games. The study involved 66 Parkinson's disease patients and 22 healthy controls, showing that genetic variations in dopamine function influenced cognitive aspects of performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. The research, which was supported by various organizations, concluded that genetic variation in dopamine signaling may underlie individual differences in cognitive function in Parkinson's disease. The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the European Journal of Neuroscience. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the role of dopamine D2 receptors in inhibiting oxygen chemoreceptors in isolated zebrafish gills. Through experiments on zebrafish gills, researchers found that activation of D2 receptors with dopamine or specific agonists decreased responses to hypoxia, while D2 antagonists had the opposite effect. The study suggests that dopamine plays a modulatory role in oxygen sensing in vertebrates, indicating an early evolutionary significance. This research has not yet undergone peer review and provides insights into neurotransmission in oxygen sensing at the NEC-nerve synapse in the gill. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the role of dopamine signaling in reward processing and substance use disorders, focusing on the transcriptional profiles of dopamine neurons in response to cocaine taking and craving. Using a mouse model of cocaine self-administration, the study found significant changes in gene expression during different phases of drug exposure, with an enrichment of repressive epigenetic modifying enzymes during cocaine craving. The research highlights the importance of understanding phase-specific molecular targets in dopamine neurons to study the behavioral course of substance use disorders. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the genetic associations between problematic sexual behavior (PSB) and reward deficiency syndrome (RDS), focusing on the dopamine transporter gene SLC6A3. The study found that the 10/10 genotype of SLC6A3 3? VNTR was linked to RDS in all groups and to PSB in comparison participants. Rare genotypes of SLC6A3 3? VNTR were associated with PSB in patients, suggesting a potential manifestation of RDS in non-clinical populations and highlighting the role of genetics in clinical forms of PSB. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Harvard University explores the impact of early life stress on cognitive function in male mice, specifically focusing on dopamine receptor expression in the brain. The research found that disrupted maternal care during a critical period led to attention deficits and sleep disturbances in male offspring. These findings suggest a potential link between sleep impairment and cognitive deficits in mice, with implications for understanding similar effects in human children. The study highlights the importance of sex-specific cognitive consequences of early life stress and offers insights into potential therapeutic strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of North Carolina Greensboro explored the impact of a high-fat diet on dopamine neurochemistry in mice, considering the influence of sex and strain. The research found that male and female mice exhibited altered dopamine neurochemistry and behavior when fed a high-saturated-fat diet, with differences observed between strains. The study highlighted the role of insulin- and microglia-dependent mechanisms in mediating these alterations, emphasizing the importance of considering strain and sex in understanding the effects of high-fat diets on dopamine neurochemistry. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the University of California Santa Barbara explores the neural basis of agency, defined as the sense of control over one's actions and their outcomes. The research introduces a new theory, ADDS (Agency Disinhibits the Dopamine System), which suggests that increased agency leads to a disinhibition of the dopamine system. This theory proposes a specific neural network that mediates these effects, shedding light on the relationship between agency, cognition, mood, and dopamine. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a levodopa dosing regimen by Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, aiming to address issues faced by Parkinson's disease patients with levodopa therapy. The patent outlines a dosing regimen that allows for twice or thrice daily dosing of an oral controlled release levodopa composition, providing steady plasma concentrations with minimal fluctuations. The invention seeks to reduce "Off" time and increase "On" and "Good On" time for patients, particularly when dosed every 6 to 12 hours, offering a potential solution to challenges in levodopa treatment for Parkinson's disease. [Extracted from the article]

Kids might get hooked on new vapes that display animations with each puff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patent has been issued for the use of dopamine and serotonin receptor antagonists in treating retinal degeneration in subjects. The patent aims to address the limited treatment options available for conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness. The method involves administering specific compounds that block or diminish stimulation of these receptors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches for patients with retinal degeneration. [Extracted from the article]