The science behind “familiar smells:” How odors affect memory formation in the brain

The processes by which the brain learns new things and stores memories respond to input from the senses. German researchers have recently reported that scent processing might affect the brain’s memory centers. Their study covered the piriform cortex. This region of the olfactory brain interprets smells picked up by the nose’s olfactory receptors. The Ruhr Universitat Bochum (RUB) team … Continue reading The science behind “familiar smells:” How odors affect memory formation in the brain

Neuroscientists look at brain stimulation as an alternative treatment for depression

In search of a way to treat depression, Philadelphia-based neuroscientists found a pathway in the brain circuitry of mice, and reported that stimulating this path causes animals to take up “anti-depressive” behavior. According to an article in Medical Xpress, this discovery could lead to brain stimulation as way to alter depression in humans. Dr. Amelia J. Eisch … Continue reading Neuroscientists look at brain stimulation as an alternative treatment for depression