Photo: Brain Region for Overcoming Fear, Anxiety Found

Email to a Friend << Back to Full Story


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

MOST VIEWED NEWS

PICTURES: 2012 Doomsday Myths Debunked

2012: Six End-of-the-World Myths Debunked

APOCALYPSE PICTURES: 10 Failed Doomsday Prophecies
NEWS FEEDS    After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed. After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS

ADVERTISEMENT

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's National Geographic Photo of the Day

• Today's Photo

• Download as Wallpaper

50 Drives of a Lifetime

National Geographic Traveler has scoured the globe for the world's most beautiful, interesting, and off-beat road trips. Dive in to get drive directions, quizzes, photos, and more.