Science News about Basic Research

Brain Shrinkage in ADHD Not Caused by Medications

Press Release • October 08, 2002

A 10-year study by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) scientists has found that brains of children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are 3-4 percent smaller than those of children who don't have the disorder—and that medication treatment is not the cause.

NIH Awards Grants for Two New Autism Research Centers

Press Release • September 18, 2002

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced grants totaling $19 million to support the first two research centers of a major network of facilities to focus on the biomedical and behavioral aspects of autism.

Even Neurons Have Favorite Numbers

Press Release • September 05, 2002

Scientists have discovered individual brain cells that represent the concept of numbers.

Drug Targets Brain Circuits that Drive Appetite and Body Weight

Press Release • July 25, 2002

Research conducted in animals has revealed that an appetite suppressant drug, D-fenfluramine (D-FEN), activates brain pathways that regulate food intake and body weight.

Gene May Bias Amygdala Response to Frightful Faces

Press Release • July 18, 2002

The amygdala, the brain structure known as the hub of fear, responds differently to pictures of scary faces, depending on which version of a gene one has inherited, report National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) scientists.

“Power Nap” Prevents Burnout; Morning Sleep Perfects a Skill

Press Release • July 02, 2002

Evidence is mounting that sleep—even a nap—appears to enhance information processing and learning.

Brain Signal Boosts as Monkey Nears Reward

Press Release • May 30, 2002

Delaying gratification while working toward a goal appears to have roots in a specific brain circuit.

Placebo, Antidepressant May Lift Depression Via Common Mechanism

Press Release • May 01, 2002

Whether it's a widely prescribed medication or a placebo, a successful treatment for depression must trigger a common pattern of brain activity changes, suggests a team of researchers funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Timing of Chemical Signal Critical for Normal Emotional Development

Press Release • March 27, 2002

A signaling protein suspected of malfunctioning in anxiety and mood disorders plays a key role in the development of emotional behavior, report researchers funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

$6 Million Grant to Expand Search for Autism Genes

Press Release • March 11, 2002

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) today awarded the first installment of an expected $6 million grant over 5 years to researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for major expansion of a collaborative effort to identify autism genes.

Scans Link 2 Key Pieces of Schizophrenia Puzzle

Press Release • January 28, 2002

Using functional brain imaging, National Institute of Mental Health scientists for the first time have linked two key, but until now unconnected, brain abnormalities in schizophrenia.

NIMH Awards Howard University $6.5 Million

Press Release • January 25, 2002

Howard University Hospital Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine (HUCM) has been awarded $6.5 million from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) for a five-year project to implement and develop research studies pertaining to mood and anxiety disorders.