UCSF Scientists Discover Brain Circuit Mechanism to Combat Depression

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have made significant strides in understanding depression by identifying specific brain circuits that can be stimulated to reverse depressive symptoms in mice, SciTech Daily reported yesterday. Published in Nature, the study reveals how stress alters brain activity, differentiating resilient mice from those that struggle with stress.

By stimulating neurons connecting the amygdala and hippocampus, scientists transformed less resilient mice into ones that actively sought pleasure, such as sugar-sweetened water. This breakthrough suggests a potential new non-invasive treatment for human depression.

Lead researcher Dr. Mazen Kheirbek emphasized the importance of translating these findings into human applications, aiming to develop innovative therapies for those facing persistent stress-related symptoms. The team plans to analyze human brain data to find similar patterns, hoping to pave the way for effective treatments in the future.