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Monday, November 23, 2009

Photo: Brain Region for Overcoming Fear, Anxiety Found


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Special cells called intercalated neurons allow animals to overcome fear and anxiety by recalling similar situations when they were unafraid, new research reports. These cells are found in a region of the brain called the amygdala—seen at the lower left in a computer image of the human brain.

The finding could lead to new drugs for helping people with anxiety-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, scientists say.

Image courtesy 3D4Medical.com/Getty Images