Brain Function Insights

We and others have shown that #psychedelics can spark the growth of new synapses in the brain. But there are some deeper questions: where do those new connections actually go? Which specific neural pathways are modified? A new study from the lab is now online at Cell by Cell Press - In this latest work, rather than imaging one synapse at a time, we turned to a more powerful tool for circuit tracing: an engineered rabies virus 🦠, which naturally hops across synaptically connected neurons in the brain. Think of it like the Google Street View self-driving cars, but for neural circuits – roaming widely to show the connected cells in the entire brain.   In the experiment, mice received either #psilocybin or saline control, followed by rabies viral tracing and whole-brain imaging of fluorescently tagged neurons. The psychedelic-induced pattern of rewiring was far from random and revealed several insights:   1) Psilocybin weakens recurrent connections in the cortex, feedback loops that may contribute to the rumination of negative thoughts. 🔄   2) The drug strengthens pathways that carry sensory signals to deeper, action-driving brain regions, tightening the link between perception and behavior. 🎯   3) The circuit reorganization was influenced by neural activity. In a proof-of-concept experiment, we show that manipulating the firing activity can alter psilocybin’s rewiring patterns, demonstrate that it may be possible to sculpt the psychedelic-evoked structural neural plasticity. 💥🧠   We hope the results will change how we think about the therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics. It is not just more synapses; it is about which circuits are remodeled. Moreover, we have some control over the drug-evoked plasticity when we pair it with neural activity modulation, providing a reason for trying to integrate psychedelics with something like rTMS.   This was a team effort spearheaded by Quan Jiang. With help from collaborators at Allen Institute, UC Irvine, and CUHK. The research was supported by One Mind and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).   Link to the paper: https://lnkd.in/eSDMdg5Q

Trauma is not just a memory stored in the mind. According to neuroscientists, it is often held in the nervous system itself, shaping how the body reacts long after the original threat is gone. This is why many people understand their trauma intellectually, yet still feel stuck in anxiety, tension, or shutdown despite years of talking about it. Research in neuroscience and trauma physiology shows that traumatic experiences can dysregulate the autonomic nervous system. The body may remain locked in fight, flight, or freeze mode, even when life is safe. Talking therapies are powerful for insight and meaning, but words alone do not always reach the parts of the brain and body where trauma is stored. Trauma affects brain regions involved in sensation, movement, and survival reflexes, not just language and reasoning. This is where physical movement becomes critical. Practices that involve controlled movement, such as walking, stretching, yoga, rhythmic exercise, and somatic therapies, send direct signals to the nervous system that the body is no longer under threat. Movement activates sensory and motor pathways that help recalibrate stress responses and restore balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Studies show that movement can reduce cortisol, improve vagal tone, and increase neuroplasticity, allowing the nervous system to learn new patterns of safety. Movement based approaches do not replace talking, they complement it. When the body begins to feel safe, the brain becomes more receptive to reflection and emotional processing. This is why trauma informed care increasingly combines cognitive therapies with physical and sensory based methods. Healing is not just about understanding what happened, but about teaching the nervous system that the danger has passed. Trauma recovery is not a purely mental process. It is a whole body rewiring. Understanding this can shift how we approach healing with more patience, compassion, and effectiveness. For more science backed insights into the brain, trauma, and nervous system health. #MindsCanvas #fblifestyle #TraumaHealing #NervousSystem #Neuroscience #MentalHealthAwareness

What do Albert Einstein, Paul McCartney, and Virgina Woolf have in common – besides being highly influential figures in their respective fields? All three revealed that some of their most creative ideas came to them whilst they were walking or sleeping. Ok, so what’s the brain up to this time? Why should disengaging help #creativity? In 2014, a group of researchers at Stanford measured the positive effects of mild physical activity on creativity – and found that walking boosted creativity by between 50-80%. 👉 When students took a brisk walk around the college campus or walked at a relaxed pace on an indoor treadmill facing a blank wall – their performance on a test of creativity called the “Alternate Uses Task” improved by a whopping 81%! The AUT tests “divergent thinking,” which is the ability to explore many possible solutions, including blue sky or out of the box thinking. 👉 Walking outdoors produced the most novel and highest quality analogies, indicating that walking had a very specific benefit in improving creativity. 👉 Furthermore, walking made people more talkative, resulting in roughly 50% more total ideas being produced compared to when sitting. In other words, just going for a short walk led to a massive increase in creativity. Or, in the words of the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, "All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.” Sleeping on it seems to have a similar creativity-enhancing effect as physical exercise. How many times have you come back to tackle a seemingly insurmountable problem after a sleep – or even a nap – and the pieces seemed to fall right into place? Studies have found that during the phase of sleep known as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, the #brain is able to make new and novel connections between unrelated ideas, which is a key aspect of creativity. This state of sleep allows for the free association of ideas, which can lead to creative problem-solving and the generation of innovative ideas upon waking. REM sleep is thought to contribute to "incubating" creative ideas, as the brain reorganizes and consolidates memories, potentially leading to creative insights. Both physical exercise and sleep are mood-enhancers, which may contribute to enhancing creativity. Research suggests that positive moods can enhance creative thinking, making it easier for individuals to think flexibly and come up with innovative solutions. Positive emotional states often increase cognitive flexibility, broaden attention, and allow for more associations between ideas, which are key elements of creativity. Turns out, there are practical ways to spark more ‘Aha!’ moments in our lives. The next time you’re struggling to think of a solution to a problem, try taking a walk or sleeping on it – the evidence-backed cheat-codes for unlocking creativity!

🧠 What if the breakthrough you're looking for is just a 20-minute walk away? After 20 minutes of sitting, brain activity tends to narrow. Blood flow slows, neural networks become less dynamically connected, and the regions responsible for creativity and complex problem-solving operate at lower efficiency. Now compare that to just 20 minutes of walking 🚶♂️ Walking increases cerebral blood flow, delivering more oxygen and glucose to neurons. It also boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) — a protein that supports neuron growth, learning, and memory formation. At the same time, different brain networks begin working together more efficiently — which is why ideas often suddenly “click” 💡 while walking. This is why many great thinkers built walking into their daily routine. A walk doesn’t just move your body. It changes how your brain operates. So the next time you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or creatively blocked: ❌ Don’t force it ❌ Don’t stare at the screen longer ✅ Go for a walk. Your brain might be waiting for it. 🌿

Want to close more deals? Stop working so much. Seriously. One of the best performance enhancers in sales isn’t another AI tool, sales methodology, or productivity hack. It’s getting up from your desk and taking a 20-minute walk. This image compares brain activity after sitting quietly versus after a 20-minute walk. The colors represent relative brain activity measured by changes in blood flow and metabolism. Blue indicates lower activity. Green, yellow, and red indicate progressively higher levels of activity. After just 20 minutes of walking, the scan shows significantly greater activity in areas responsible for: • Focus and attention • Executive decision-making • Memory • Problem solving • Cognitive flexibility Why? Walking increases blood flow, delivering more oxygen and glucose to your brain. It also stimulates the release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), often called “fertilizer for the brain,” because it strengthens existing neural connections and helps create new ones. Translation for sales? You’ll think more clearly. You’ll ask better questions. You’ll handle objections more effectively. You’ll write better emails. You’ll have more creative ideas. You’ll make better decisions. Too many salespeople think the answer is grinding harder. The highest performers know it’s about managing energy, not just managing time. That’s why I intentionally take breaks throughout the day. I go for walks between coaching calls. I walk when I’m preparing for an important meeting. I walk when I feel anxious or stressed. I walk when by brown feels fried. Almost every time, I come back sharper than when I left. The next time you hit a wall… Don’t grind harder. Get outside. Walk for 20 minutes. Your quota might thank you.

BRAIN CIRCUITS BEHIND PSYCHEDILICS' ANTI-ANXIETY POWER DECODED New research has identified distinct neural circuits for the anti-anxiety and hallucinogenic effects of psychedelics. Using the psychedelic DOI in mice, researchers demonstrated that anxiety reduction persists long after hallucinatory effects subside. By mapping activated brain cells with molecular tagging and reactivating them with light, they pinpointed specific neurons in the prefrontal cortex responsible for anxiety relief. The findings suggest it may be possible to develop psychedelics-based treatments that alleviate anxiety without inducing hallucinations. This study also highlights the complexity of psychedelic effects, involving both direct and downstream neural networks. Key Facts: 1. Anti-anxiety effects of psychedelics persist after hallucinations fade. 2. Neural circuits for anxiety relief involve direct and downstream activation. 3. Optogenetics reactivated anxiety-reducing neurons independently of drugs. Source: https://lnkd.in/g7z6BUWj

Chronic pain affects millions of people, yet many conversations around treatment remain narrowly focused on physical symptoms alone. In this thoughtful piece, Dr. Howard Schubiner explores the growing science behind neuroplastic pain and the connection between emotional stress, the brain, and the body. Through the story of one patient’s recovery, he challenges conventional assumptions about how pain develops and how healing can occur. It’s a perspective grounded in both compassion and decades of clinical research. The article also raises important questions about how medicine approaches chronic conditions and what it means to treat the whole person. Take a moment to read this compelling look at pain, neuroscience, and recovery. https://lnkd.in/dVBh8EPg

Overthinking is What Kills You: A Silent Killer in Modern Life In today's fast-paced world, where every decision feels monumental and every action seems scrutinized, overthinking has become an increasingly prevalent issue. This mental habit, characterized by incessantly dwelling on thoughts and problems, can be as damaging to our well-being as any physical ailment. Let's explore why overthinking is detrimental and how we can combat it for a healthier, more fulfilling life. The Perils of Overthinking 1. Paralysis by Analysis Overthinking often leads to a state of inaction. When faced with a decision, those who overthink tend to get bogged down in the details, weighing every possible outcome to the point where they feel paralyzed. This can result in missed opportunities and a sense of helplessness. 2. Increased Stress and Anxiety Constant rumination on problems, whether real or imagined, elevates stress levels. This continuous state of anxiety can have severe repercussions on mental health, leading to conditions like depression and chronic anxiety disorders. The mind, stuck in a loop of worry, becomes a breeding ground for negative thoughts. 3. Deterioration of Physical Health The mind and body are deeply interconnected. Persistent overthinking can manifest physically, leading to issues such as headaches, digestive problems, and insomnia. The body's immune system can also be compromised, making one more susceptible to illnesses. 4. Impact on Relationships Overthinking can strain personal relationships. It often leads to miscommunication and misunderstandings, as one might overanalyze words and actions, creating conflicts where none exist. This habit can also make individuals overly critical of themselves and others, eroding trust and intimacy. Combatting Overthinking 1. Mindfulness and Meditation Practicing mindfulness helps ground you in the present moment, reducing the tendency to overthink. 2. Setting Boundaries Establish specific times for reflecting on problems and stick to them. Outside these times, consciously redirect your thoughts to more productive or pleasant activities. 3. Positive Affirmations and Self-Talk Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Challenge your mind to reframe negative scenarios into opportunities for growth. 4. Engage in Physical Activity Exercise is a powerful antidote to overthinking. Physical activity releases endorphins, the body's natural stress relievers. Whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or a session at the gym, moving your body can help clear your mind. Conclusion Overthinking is more than just a harmless habit; it's a silent killer that can severely impact your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Recognizing its detrimental effects and taking proactive steps to combat it can lead to a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life. Remember, the mind is a powerful tool—use it wisely, and don't let overthinking rob you of your potential and happiness.