That's how our brain pays attention: A new study on brain chemicals

Have you ever wondered how our attention span works and what affects it?

A team of researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), has made discoveries about how chemicals released by brain cells affect our attention span.

Let's find out more about it!

More about the research

Neurons in the brain release chemicals called neurotransmitters to communicate. 

These chemicals are vital for brain functions like concentration, heart rate, and more.

The researchers found that two neurotransmitters, acetylcholine and GABA, work together to control signals in a part of the brain called the claustrum. 

This part helps us focus, but its exact job isn't clear yet.

How the experiment was conducted

Using a special method called optogenetics, the team activated neurons in the claustrum with light to study their reactions to acetylcholine and GABA. 

They discovered that these neurotransmitters make neurons in the claustrum respond in opposite ways.

Neurons sending signals deep into the brain get excited by acetylcholine, while those going to the brain's surface are calmed by GABA. 

This "switch" between the two neurotransmitters helps the brain pay attention and ignore distractions.

Why it's important

Understanding this process could lead to new therapies for conditions like ADHD and depression, which can affect attention. 

The researchers will continue to study how this switch works and its role in different brain functions.
 

• Related news:
• research
• attention
• brain
• 4 October 2023

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