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Orbitofrontal Cortex

All articles tagged with #orbitofrontal cortex

neuroscience27 days ago•28 min saved

Triple-brain controller orchestrates continuous goal-directed decisions

A continuous prey-pursuit task reveals that naturalistic, goal-directed behavior is governed by a control-theoretic blend of multiple lower-level policies, managed by a meta-controller that shifts policy composition. Neural data show the anterior cingulate cortex signals major policy switches, the hippocampus encodes latent policy states for early planning, and the orbitofrontal cortex represents the task's value structure, supporting a tripartite view in which the hippocampus estimates state, ACC orchestrates control, and OFC provides value context for flexible decision-making.

via Nature|

#anterior-cingulate-cortex #decision-making #hippocampus

neuroscience1 month ago•117 min saved

Mice Seek Knowledge: Orbitofrontal Cortex Encodes Intrinsic Information Value

In a mouse information-seeking task, researchers show mice value information for its own sake, even sacrificing water reward to learn outcomes. Calcium imaging of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) reveals distinct neural representations for odors predicting information versus odors predicting reward, and a nonlinear latent-variable model (CEBRA) shows these representations occupy separate neural subspaces that emerge with learning, implying distinct circuits for intrinsic information value and extrinsic reward value in OFC.

via nature.com|

#calcium-imaging #information-value #learning

science6 months ago•5 min saved

Frontal Brain Signal Linked to OCD Compulsions Enables Responsive DBS

Researchers found a consistent high-frequency signal in the right anteromedial orbitofrontal cortex that correlates with OCD compulsions; brief deep-brain stimulation of a deep-brain target rapidly reduced symptoms in three treatment-resistant patients, supporting the development of responsive DBS that activates only when OCD-related brain activity is detected.

via Neuroscience News|

#deep-brain-stimulation #neuroscience #obsessive-compulsive-disorder

neuroscience2 years ago•4 min saved

"Key Brain Regions for Social Gaze Identified"

Researchers at Yale identified two brain regions, the orbitofrontal cortex and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, as crucial for social gaze in primates. Stimulating these areas can enhance immediate and long-term social gaze behaviors, potentially informing therapies for social behavior challenges in disorders like autism.

via Neuroscience News|

#autism #brain-stimulation #dorsomedial-prefrontal-cortex

neuroscience-mental-health2 years ago•4 min saved

"Linking Childhood Adversity to Adult Depression Through Orbitofrontal Cortex Thinning"

A longitudinal study in Germany suggests that negative life events experienced during childhood can predict depressive symptoms later in life, with the development of depressive symptoms preceded by accelerated thinning of the orbitofrontal cortex region of the brain. The study sheds light on the neural and psychological mechanisms underpinning the development of depression, but also has limitations, including the treatment of negative life events as a singular score without considering timing, frequency, or duration.

via PsyPost|

#brain-development #childhood-adversity #depression

mental-health2 years ago•1 min saved

The Long-Term Impact of Childhood Stress on Adult Depression

Experiencing negative life events (NLE) during childhood is associated with a higher risk of developing depression in young adulthood, according to a new study. The research, involving brain imaging tests on 321 participants, also found that thinning of the orbitofrontal cortex during adolescence is linked to increased depressive symptoms later in life. While there was no direct relationship between NLE and orbitofrontal cortex thickness, the study highlights the importance of early assessment and monitoring of these factors to identify individuals at risk for depression and prevent psychological disorders in young adults.

via Neuroscience News|

#childhood-stress #depression #mental-health

neuroscience2 years ago•2 min saved

The Brain's Influence on Craving Fatty Foods: Milkshake Neuroscience

Brain imaging studies have revealed that high-fat foods, such as milkshakes, activate the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in the brain, which is involved in reward processing. Researchers found that the smooth texture of fatty foods influences the allure of the food and guides eating behavior. The study also showed that individuals with more sensitive OFCs to fatty texture were more likely to consume larger amounts of high-fat foods. These findings could contribute to the development of low-calorie food formulations and provide insights into the neural mechanisms of overeating.

via Nature.com|

#brain-imaging #eating-behavior #fatty-foods

neuroscience3 years ago•3 min saved

Unveiling the Brain's Decision-Making Process: New Insights

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have conducted a study exploring the involvement of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in decision-making. They found that OFC neurons represent the value of options under consideration and continuously flip-flop between them, which predicts decision-making. The researchers also discovered that this flip-flopping alters signals in the ACC related to the choice itself, suggesting that the ACC determines the final choice. These findings could lead to the development of implantable devices that monitor neural activity and bias decision-making towards healthier choices, benefiting individuals with addiction or unhealthy lifestyle habits. Future research will focus on how context influences decision-making processes.

via Medical Xpress|

#anterior-cingulate-cortex #brain #decision-making