Reference Terms
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Amygdala
The amygdala is an almond-shaped cluster of neurons located deep within the brain’s temporal lobe and is a key component of the limbic system. It plays a central role in processing emotions, particularly fear, anger, and pleasure, and helps the brain assess threats and trigger appropriate responses. The amygdala is also involved in forming emotional memories, making it crucial for learning from past experiences.
When the brain perceives a potential danger, the amygdala activates rapidly, initiating physiological responses such as increased heart rate and heightened alertness. It interacts closely with other brain regions, including the hippocampus, which helps contextualize emotional experiences, and the prefrontal cortex, which contributes to regulating emotional reactions.
Dysfunction in the amygdala has been linked to various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. Despite its small size, the amygdala plays a powerful role in shaping behavior, emotional learning, and survival-driven instincts.
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Mind & Brain News
February 7, 2026
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Feb. 2, 2026 Chronic stress can damage the gut’s protective lining, triggering inflammation that may worsen depression. New research shows that stress lowers levels of a protein called Reelin, which plays a key role in both gut repair and brain health. ...
Feb. 1, 2026 When the brain rests, it usually replays recent experiences to strengthen memory. Scientists found that in Alzheimer’s-like mice, this replay still occurs — but the signals are jumbled and poorly coordinated. As a result, memory-supporting brain ...
Feb. 1, 2026 Middle age is becoming a tougher chapter for many Americans, especially those born in the 1960s and early 1970s. Compared with earlier generations, they report more loneliness and depression, along with weaker physical strength and declining memory. ...
Feb. 1, 2026 Scientists warn that rapid advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness, creating serious ethical risks. New research argues that developing scientific tests ...
Jan. 29, 2026 Scientists in Sweden and Norway have uncovered a promising way to spot Parkinson’s disease years—possibly decades—before its most damaging symptoms appear. By detecting subtle biological signals in the blood tied to how cells handle stress and ...
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