Researchers are examining whether drugs currently approved to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes could be useful for a wider range of health challenges.

Kay Tye studies the neuroscience behind social isolation and searches for new targets for mental health treatments that could address its impact.

Immune cells throughout the brain and body influence the processing of fear and anxiety, and their dysfunction may underly mental health disorders.

The blood-brain barrier protects your brain by ensuring the important things stay in while pathogens stay out.

NIH leaders from various institutes discussed the need to consider more social determinants of health in addiction research.

Smoking nicotine and drinking alcohol are common risk factors that can lead to premature death. Learn how both substances impact our bodies and can lead to addiction.

Drug abuse is one of the nation's most serious health problems. About 9 percent of Americans, more than 22 million people, abuse drugs on a regular basis. Drug abuse, including alcohol and nicotine, is estimated to cost the U.S. more than $600 billion each year.

And other neuroscience news you may have missed in November.

Moderate amounts of alcohol do not kill brain cells.

Opioids are substances that bind to opioid receptors in the brain to relieve pain.