Tech and Science Daily | The Standard Scientists discover how brains beat fear
Feb 11, 2025
Research reveals how mice manage fear responses, uncovering key brain pathways that could aid in treating PTSD and anxiety. The AI Action Summit sheds light on global competition in AI ethics and governance. The moon is under protection for 90 historic sites linked to the Apollo 11 mission, highlighting their significance for future lunar activities. Meanwhile, studies show female downhill mountain-bikers face greater injury risks, and speculation swirls around the release of an affordable iPhone SE 4 and updates to Apple's iOS.
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Overcoming Fear
- Scientists uncovered how brains learn to overcome fear, focusing on instinctive fear reactions.
- Professor Sonja Hofer explained the mechanisms enabling animals to suppress fear responses.
Mice Experiment
- Researchers used an overhead expanding shadow to mimic a predator, causing mice to display fear.
- With repeated exposure and no real danger, the mice learned to stay calm, demonstrating fear suppression.
Brain Regions in Fear Suppression
- Two brain areas are crucial: the visual cortex and the ventrolateral geniculate nucleus (VLGN).
- The visual cortex is essential for learning, while the VLGN stores the memory and inhibits fear circuits.