Science magazine has devoted a number of analytical articles to the particularly important role of the hypothalamus in human behavior, regulating aspects such as hunger, sleep cycles and social interactions.
This almond-sized brain structure, located between the pituitary gland and the thalamus at the top of the brainstem, acts as a main powerhouse for a variety of brain activities, according to findings published in the journal Science on Oct. 27.
Although the hypothalamus has not received the same attention as other brain regions, given that it is not considered part of the higher functions of the brain, the editors of the journal Science highlight its importance in a four-part review. The first article presents research from the University of Calgary, Canada, providing an overview of the hypothalamus and detailing its influence on many body processes.
The researchers emphasize the use of new tools, such as single-cell RNA sequencing and optogenetics, which provide new insights into the role of individual cells and brain activity in real time. The other three articles focus on the role of the hypothalamus in brain functions, including understanding the neural circuits involved in the regulation of dopamine neurons and the control of reproductive behavior.
Analysis by teams from the University of Washington, Langone Medical Center in New York and the Inselspital University Hospital in Bern brings new insights into the social and behavioral functions of the hypothalamus, highlighting the importance of this small but crucial brain structure in human behavior.
The cover image of the Oct. 27 issue of Science (vol. 382, no. 6669), shows the main functions regulated by the hypothalamus. Temperature, sleep, eating and social interactions are all controlled by this small but powerful area. Credit: Grace Russell
Source: 360medical.ro
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2023-11-12 20:18:52
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