By: Bhavya Malhotra
1. What is neurobiology
● Neurobiology is concerned with uncovering the biological mechanisms by which nervous systems mediate behaviour. Over the past half century, much neurobiology has focused on the cells of the nervous system. As we move into the 21st century, increasing attention is being given to integrative or systems Neurobiology – the study of aggregates of neurons and functional circuits.(Advising and Assistance: Prof. Jeff Lichtman, Neuroscience Head Tutor; Dr. Ryan Draft,
Neuroscience Concentration Advisor; and Dr. Laura
Magnotti, Neuroscience Concentration Advisor, (n.d)) 2. Recent advancements in Neurobiology
Brain stimulation effectiveness tied to learning ability , not age -:
● A study reveals that the effectiveness of brain stimulation on motor skills is determined by an individual’s learning ability rather than age, highlighting the need for more personalized approach to neurohabilitation. Now scientists led by Friedhelm Hummel at EPL have identified an important factor affecting an individual’s responsiveness to atDCS. The team looked at how native learning abilities determine the effect of brain stimulation applied while learning a motor
task. Their findings suggests that individuals with less efficient learning mechanisms benefit more from stimulation , while those with optimal learning strategies might
experience negative effects .(Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne,2024)
New discovery could offer significant answers on
Alzheimer’s disease -:
● A new study represents a significant step forward in scientists’ understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. A team of investigators had examined the role of two proteins found in the brain and suggest the stability of their relationship to one another is crucial for memory formation and
maintenance. Disruptions in this mechanical signalling pathway could lead to the disease. This is the first time this connection has been identified and could pave the way for therapeutic interventions. Their paper outlines that APP is fundamental for the mechanical coupling of synapses in the brain and how the processing of APP is a part of mechanical signalling pathway that maintains synaptic degeneration. However, misprocessing of APP, due to altered mechanical cues, disrupts this pathway, leading to the synaptic
degeneration observed in Alzheimer’s and could explain the memory loss associated. (University of Liverpool, 2024)
3. Major breakthroughs in Neurobiology
Neuroimaging and Brain Mapping
● Neuroimaging techniques have revolutionized our understanding of how the brain functions in both healthy and diseased states. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans are now routinely used to investigate brain activity and to identify regions that may be implicated in psychiatric disorders.
● Functional Imaging fMRI allows researchers to visualize real-time brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, which correlates with neural activity. Studies using fMRI have shown that people with depression, for example, exhibit abnormal activity in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus, areas associated with emotional regulation and memory. These insights have been pivotal in understanding why individuals with depression struggle with emotional regulation and how these disruptions might be treated.(National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.))
Brain Connectivity Studies Recent work in connectomics, the study of brain networks, has focused on understanding how the brain's various regions communicate with each other. Disorders
such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder are now understood in terms of disruptions in these brain networks. Dysfunctional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and limbic system is one example of how changes in brain circuitries can contribute to mood and cognitive disorders.
Genetic and Epigenetic Advances
● Research in genetics has identified specific genes that may contribute to the development of psychiatric
disorders. For example, variations in the DISC1
gene have been linked to schizophrenia, and genetic mutations affecting serotonin and dopamine systems have been implicated in mood disorders.
● Genetic Contributions the development of
genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has revealed thousands of genetic variants that contribute to
common mental health disorders, although each
variant's impact is typically small. Researchers are now focused on understanding how combinations of
genetic and environmental factors work together to influence mental health.
● Epigenetics Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that are not caused by alterations in the
DNA sequence but by environmental influences.
Traumatic experiences, stress, and chronic illness can all induce epigenetic changes in the brain, affecting
mental health. For example, early childhood adversity has been shown to affect the expression of genes
involved in stress responses, increasing the risk of
developing PTSD or depression later in life.
4. Understanding some mental health disorders
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
● There is a public misconception that OCD is just a minor personality quirk or a preference and that everyone is “a little bit OCD”. In reality, OCD is a serious and often debilitating mental health disorder that affects people of all ages, and occurs when a person gets caught in a cycle or a loop of compulsions and obsessions.
● Obsessions are unwanted and unwanted thoughts, images or even urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings. Meanwhile Compulsions are behaviors an individual engages in to attempt to get rid of the obsessions or decrease distress (International OCD foundation, [n.d])
● Most people do have obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviours at some point in their lives but this does not mean that we all are “a little OCD “. Having OCD means having this cycle of obsessions and compulsions so extreme that it consumes a lot of time , causes intense distress , or gets in the way of important activities that a person values
● Symptoms of OCD
❖ Compulsive behaviour, agitation, hypervigilance,
impulsivity, repetitive movements, ritualistic behaviour Etc.
❖ Anxiety , apprehension, guilt or panic attack
❖ Fear or repeatedly going over thoughts
● Types of OCD
❖ Contamination OCD
❖ Checking OCD
❖ Counting OCD
❖ Harm OCD
❖ Pedophilia OCD
❖ Hoarding OCD
Bipolar Disorder
● Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition that causes significant fluctuations in mood, energy, activity levels and even cause an obstruction in a person’s ability to carry out daily tasks. It is also known as manic- depressive illness.
● These mood episodes are more intense and disruptive than the normal ups and downs of life and can last for days, weeks and even months. Bipolar disorder affects individuals across all age groups and can significantly impact
relationships , work, and overall quality of life if left untreated (Mayo clinic, [n.d])
● Types of Bipolar disorder
❖ Bipolar 1 disorder: Defined by manic episodes lasting
at least seven days or requiring hospitalization, often alternating with depressive episodes.
❖ Bipolar 2 disorder: Involves a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes but no full blown manic episodes. ❖ Cyclothymic disorder: Characterized by periods of
hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are less
severe but last for at least two years.
❖ Manic episodes: elevated or irritable mood, increased
energy, reduced need for sleep racing thoughts and speech, engaging in high risk behaviours.
❖ Depressive episodes: persistent sadness, emptiness, fatigue, low energy loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
❖ Mixed episodes: Simultaneous symptoms of mania and
depression, leading to confusion and emotional instability.
5. References
Advising and Assistance: Prof. Jeff Lichtman, Neuroscience Head Tutor; Dr. Ryan Draft, Neuroscience Concentration Advisor; and Dr.
Laura Magnotti, Neuroscience Concentration Advisor(n.d) “Mind Brain Behaviour”
Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. (27th
November,2024)"Brain stimulation effectiveness tied to learning ability, not age." ScienceDaily.Materials provided by Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. Original written by Nik Papageorgiou. The original text of this story is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-SA 4.0. Note: Content may be edited for style and
length.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/2411271 40025.htm
University of Liverpool. (27th November,2024)"New discovery could offer significant answers on Alzheimer's disease." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily,
By Patrick Mc Grath(November 14,2023) ,a quick guide to some common OCD sub types Reviewed by
Dr. Keara Valentine
https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/a-quick-guide-to-some-comm on-ocd-subtypes
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. NIMH Information Resource Center.American Psychiatric Association (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders. 5th ed., text rev. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric AssociationClark, David A. & Radomsky, Adam S. (2014). Introduction: A global perspective on unwanted intrusive thoughts. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. Available online 18 February 2014. DOI:
10.1016/j.jocrd.2014.02.001Reprinted with permission by New Harbinger Publications, Inc. This is an adaptation of the OC Checklist which appears in S. Wilhelm & G. S. Steketee's Cognitive Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder A Guide for Professionals (2006)
Mayo clinic (14th August,2024)
“Bipolar disorder - symptoms and causes”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/ symptoms-causes/syc-20355955
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