(Dan Robitzski) In the developing brain, there’s a critical period of time when adolescents learn how to socialize. This critical period happens right around the point of sexual maturity in mice, according to research published Wednesday in the journal Nature. But the scientists also found that they could re-open that window by giving adult mice a single dose of the drug MDMA — a finding that could point to new treatments for humans.
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by Dan Robitzski, April 7th, 2019
After giving mice a dose of MDMA, the scientists found increased levels of oxytocin in the rodents’ brains, along with the uptick in social behaviors — suggesting that brains are more flexible than scientists previously thought.
“This suggests that we’ve reopened a critical period in mice, giving them the ability to learn social reward behaviors at a time when they are less inclined to engage in these behaviors,” Johns Hopkins scientist Gül Dölen told Newsweek.
Right now, doctors are investigating MDMA as a potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, as past studies have found that the drug, along with psychotherapy, has helped some people.
Now, if this mouse study holds up in the human brain, scientists might know why.
“As we develop new therapies or determine when to give these therapies, it’s critical to know the biological mechanism on which they act,” Dölen said.
This article was originally published by Futurism. Read the original article.
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Stillness in the Storm Editor: Why did we post this?
The preceding information discusses fears and challenges associated with romantic partnership such as commitment, and it’s natural end, marriage. Given that change is unavoidable, growth is a survival choice. If one chooses growth and cultivates that in their lives with their fellows the changes that life brings can be beneficial and rewarding instead of tragic. For romance, the love and respect a couple have for each other dies if they fail to cultivate growth in the relationship, through respect, transparent communication, and value harmonization. With this knowledge in hand, a great many relationship perils can be avoided while at the same time training oneself in the art of true companionship that provides progressive levels of fulfillment.
– Justin
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Source:
https://www.sciencealert.com/mdma-can-reopen-a-part-of-the-brain-that-disappears-after-puberty
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