In response to signals from a brain region called the hypothalamus, the adrenal glands secrete glucocorticoids, hormones that produce an array of effects in response to stress.

Maternal inflammation, caused by drug use or a viral infection, disrupts normal developmental pathways so increases babies’ risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

The ability to react quickly in response to threatening events has been with us since the time of our earliest ancestors.

What is research uncovering about this anxiety disorder?

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

Preliminary findings provide insight into how specific sleep patterns could be an early indicator of this type of dementia.

The introduction of the post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis in 1980 affirmed that traumatic experiences, even absent physical injury, could have enduring consequences for brain function and mental health.

And other neuroscience news for the week of January 20-26, 2020.

Neuroscientists study the brain to solve puzzles — piecing together understandings across topics like emotions, rare disorders, and consciousness. But often, new findings raise more questions.