TED Talks Daily What investigating neural pathways can reveal about mental health | Kay M. Tye
Mar 5, 2020
Neuroscientist Kay M. Tye explores how the brain creates complex emotional states like depression and anxiety. She discusses groundbreaking research using light to activate specific neurons, leading to behavioral changes in mice. Tye emphasizes the connection between mental and physical health, advocating for a unified approach to treatment. She also delves into the potential of optogenetics in understanding and treating disorders, highlighting innovative therapy possibilities that could reshape how we address mental health challenges.
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Mind-Brain Connection
- Kay Tye argues for treating mental illnesses like physical ones, since the mind originates in the brain.
- She emphasizes that behavior provides the only window into another's emotional experience.
Mice and Optogenetics
- Kay Tye uses mice in her research to study the brain mechanisms behind emotions.
- Optogenetics, a technique using light to control neurons, allows for precise manipulation and observation of brain activity.
Amygdala's Role in Emotion
- The amygdala acts like a crossroads for emotions, with distinct pathways for positive and negative feelings.
- Activating specific pathways can induce predictable behavioral changes in mice, demonstrable through the elevated plus maze.