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A groundbreaking study by Israeli researchers has shed light on the brain mechanisms involved in recognizing the emotional states of others, with potential implications for treating social disorders such as autism.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction. Individuals with autism often experience challenges in recognizing emotions, leading to difficulties in social engagement. The latest research, published in Current Biology, has identified a crucial role played by the brain’s medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in emotional recognition and behavior, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Understanding emotions is fundamental to empathy, enabling individuals to relate and respond appropriately to others. However, for people on the autism spectrum, this ability is often impaired, making everyday interactions more complex. To delve deeper into the neural basis of this phenomenon, a research team from the University of Haifa (UH) in Israel conducted experiments using mice.
By employing advanced techniques such as genetic manipulations and real-time neural measurements, the researchers examined how neurons in the prelimbic part of the mPFC responded to the emotional states of other mice. They discovered that these neurons exhibited different responses when exposed to stressed versus calm mice. Notably, the test mice showed a preference for being near stressed mice, indicating an awareness of emotional states. However, when neural activity in the mPFC was disrupted, the mice lost their ability to distinguish between emotional states.
These findings suggest that neural activity in the mPFC is essential for emotional recognition and influences social behaviors, such as approaching or avoiding others based on their emotions. The researchers propose that dysfunctional neural activity in this region may be a key factor in explaining the social and emotional recognition difficulties associated with autism.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to extend their study by analyzing mice with autism-related genetic mutations. This next phase will explore how alterations in neural activity impact social behavior, potentially paving the way for new therapeutic approaches to autism and other social disorders.
Disclaimer: This article is based on scientific research and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Individuals seeking guidance on autism or related conditions should consult healthcare professionals or medical experts.
