Study Finds Brain Area Regulating Attention and Wakefulness
An Israeli study reveals the claustrum's role in regulating wakefulness, attention, and behavior. Manipulating this brain region in mice affects sleep quality and impulsivity, providing insights for treating disorders like ADHD.
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An Israeli study has identified the claustrum, a brain area, as a key regulator of wakefulness, attention, and behavior. Researchers found that altering activity levels in this region in mice impacted sleep quality, responsiveness, and impulsive behavior, potentially offering insights for treating disorders like ADHD. The study, led by Prof. Ami Citri and Dr. Gal Atlan from the Hebrew University, in collaboration with Prof. Yuval Nir from Tel Aviv University, sheds light on the claustrum's role in controlling neural activity during sleep and attention-demanding tasks. By manipulating neural activity in the claustrum, researchers observed changes in mice's wakefulness and behavior, suggesting that this brain region acts as a "gatekeeper" influencing responses to environmental stimuli. The findings could pave the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for various neurological and psychiatric conditions by enhancing individuals' control over their reactions to the environment. This research contributes to understanding the brain mechanisms underlying attention and behavior regulation, offering potential avenues for intervention in related disorders.
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3 commentsI've heard of the kooks that put electrodes on their scalp and apply voltage to "overclock" their brains - maybe there's something to that, but with a more controlled, pharmaceutical and scientific process behind it. Provide minor stimulation to the claustrum and you end up getting more restful sleep, etc. (not to say that long-term use won't burn your brain matter out!!)
It's been such a negative thing for me, even with support systems, medication, etc.
Even if I can't be cured/helped, making sure future generations will never need to suffer as negatively as some do with the downsides of this disorder would be a great step for society.
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Scientists reveal how the brain's waste-removal system functions during sleep through slow electrical waves aiding fluid movement. Disruptions may relate to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Research aims to enhance treatments and prevention.
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