Neural Basis of Alertness Revealed
Neural Basis of Alertness RevealedNIH-funded scientists revealed the types of neurons and brain circuitry supporting alertness, using a molecular method called MultiMAP in transparent larval zebrafish. Multiple types of neurons communicate by secreting the same major chemical messengers: serotonin (red), dopamine and norepinephrine (yellow) and acetylcholine (cyan). Insights made possible by the breakthrough method may someday lead to clinical interventions targeting dysfunctional brain states, as occur in some mental illnesses.
Source: Karl Deisseroth, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University
For more information, see:
Brain's alertness cicuitry conserved through evolution
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2017/brains-alertness-circuitry-conserved-through-evolution.shtml
(NIH news release)
Novel technology pioneered by Stanford researchers ties brain circuits to alertness
http://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2017/11/novel-technology-ties-brain-circuits-to-alertness.html
(Stanford news release)