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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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Quick takeaways
- Research reveals how the brain overcomes fear through repeated exposure, highlighting critical areas involved in this learning process.
- The podcast addresses the ethical implications of integrating AI into military technologies, emphasizing the need for governance in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Deep dives
Understanding Fear Mechanisms in the Brain
Research has uncovered how the brain learns to overcome fear, with a focus on instinctual reactions that manifest in humans and other animals. A study conducted with mice demonstrated that repeated exposure to a perceived threat, such as an overhead shadow simulating a predator, allowed the animals to learn to remain calm. Key areas in the brain, including a specific part of the visual cortex and the ventrolateral geniculate nucleus, were identified as critical to this learning process. By silencing these areas, researchers found that while initial learning was hindered, previously learned behaviors remained intact, showcasing the complexity of memory storage in response to fear.
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