Humans have roughly as many bacterial cells in their bodies as human cells, and most of those bacteria live in the gut. New research released today reveals links between the gut microbiome — the population of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract — and brain diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, including potential new ways to track and treat these diseases. The studies were presented at Neuroscience 2017, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health. 

As the United States grapples with the devastating effects of an opioid epidemic, researchers are making progress in advancing our understanding of opioid addiction–related health issues, according to studies presented today at Neuroscience 2017, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health.

Humans, primates, and many other animals are innately social, spending much of their lifetimes in the presence of other individuals, but little is known about the neural mechanisms that generate social behaviors. Recent advances offer insight into neural circuits and mechanisms that underlie social decision-making, cooperation, and aggression. The studies are being presented at Neuroscience 2017, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health.

Stress can have numerous harmful effects on the mind and body, both immediately and over long periods of time. New research reveals mechanisms by which stress exacts its toll throughout the body, from the brain to the male reproductive system, and points to potential paths for reducing the negative effects of stress. The studies were presented at Neuroscience 2017, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health.

Genetic variants that increase expression of a cortisol-binding receptor facilitate changes in learning and memory under stress, suggests two independent human experiments published in eNeuro.

Although the general benefits of a good night’s sleep are well established, one-third of American adults do not get a sufficient amount of sleep. Recent research sheds new light on the extensive effects of sleep on the brain, as well as the harms caused by sleep loss. The studies were presented at Neuroscience 2017, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health.

Research released today highlights advances in the use of CRISPR-Cas9 and human induced pluripotent stem cell technologies to identify novel therapeutic targets for neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and addiction. The studies were presented at Neuroscience 2017, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health.

Military service exposes soldiers to a unique set of physical challenges, including toxic chemicals and traumatic brain injury, which can have profound effects on their health and well-being. New research examines the effects of military-related brain disorders and possible paths toward treatment, as well as a potential way to harness our brain’s learning capabilities to better train pilots. The studies were presented today at Neuroscience 2017, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health.

The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) will present the Award for Education in Neuroscience to Ronald L. Calabrese, PhD, senior associate dean for research at the Emory College of Arts and Sciences, and Randy J. Nelson, PhD, chair of the Department of Neuroscience and co-director of the Neuroscience Research Institute at The Ohio State University. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to neuroscience education and training and will be jointly presented at Neuroscience 2017, SfN’s annual meeting and the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health.

The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) awarded a record number of Trainee Professional Development Awards this year thanks to increased funding from SfN Council and other generous donors, allowing more than 200 deserving young scientists to present their research and collaborate with leading neuroscientists from around the world at Neuroscience 2017.