News

The brain reacts differently to touch depending on context

The touch of another person may increase levels of the “feelgood” hormone oxytocin. But the context really matters. The situation impacts oxytocin levels not only in the moment, but also later, as is shown in a new study.

The brain’s cannabinoid system protects against addiction

High levels of the body’s own cannabinoid substances protect against developing addiction in individuals previously exposed to childhood maltreatment, according to a new study from Linköping University.

How fear memories get stuck in some brains

Researchers at Linköping University have discovered a biological mechanism that increases the strength with which fear memories are stored in the brain. The study identifies shared mechanisms behind anxiety and alcohol dependence.

First international donation

Linköping University has received its first international donation. Ingrid Bock, resident in the US, has donated to Professor Markus Heilig’s internationally renowned research on new ways to treat addiction.

Markus Heilig - a professor with a voice

Discussions with his daughters inspired him to write a book in popular science: Hon, han och hjärnan. And last autumn he played a major role in a series on Swedish TV: Från savannen till Tinder. “I love telling stories”, says Markus Heilig.

Mechanism behind compulsive alcohol use revealed

A small group of nerve cells in the brain determines whether an individual continues to consume alcohol even when it has negative consequences. The scientists have identified a mechanism that may be a suitable target for treatment by medication.

Starting clinical trial of possible new PTSD treatment

Researchers at Linköping University are starting a clinical trial to investigate whether a drug in combination with internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy, CBT, can alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD.

Markus Heilig receives award for research achievements

Professor Markus Heilig has been awarded the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, ECNP, award for his research into addictive disorders and other stress-related conditions.

Improved treatment for PTSD

People with post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, often also develop a dependency disorder. LiU researchers are seeking answers to how these conditions are related and how they best can be treated – both individually and when they arise together.

New medication may improve effects of treatment for PTSD

A medication that boosts the body’s own cannabis-like substances, shows promise to help the brain un-learn fear memories when these are no longer meaningful. This according to an early-stage, experimental study on healthy volunteers at LiU.

Self-injuring young girls overestimate negative feedback in social media simulation

Adolescent girls who self-injure feel that they receive more negative feedback than they actually receive, and are more sensitive to thumbs down responses, compared to other girls. These are the findings presented by Irene Perini, researcher at CSAN.

Markus Heilig appointed Wallenberg Clinical Scholar

Markus Heilig is one of five medical doctors active in research appointed to be Wallenberg Clinical Scholars. He receives a research grant of SEK 15 million to investigate why some, but not all, people become dependent on alcohol.

How our brains distinguish between self-touch and touch by others

Our brains seem to reduce sensory perception from an area of our skin when we touch it ourselves, according to a new study. The finding increases our understanding of how the brain distinguishes between being touched by another person and self-touch.

Mechanism behind alcohol addiction found

Changes in a brain signalling system contribute to the development of alcohol addiction-like behaviour in rats, according to a new study led by researchers at LiU. The findings are published in Science and indicate a similar mechanism in humans.

Unique Method Tested on Alcohol Addiction

For the first time in the world’s history, people with alcohol addiction will be treated with magnetic stimulation of structures deep within the brain. The study is led by Professor Markus Heilig.

Genes play a major role in substance abuse in ADHD

It is principally hereditary factors that lie behind adults with ADHD often developing alcohol dependence and binge eating. This is the conclusion of a doctoral thesis from Linköping University.

People with alcohol dependency lack important enzyme

A research group under the leadership of Professor Markus Heilig has identified an enzyme whose production is turned off in nerve cells of the frontal lobe when alcohol dependence develops.

New treatment for depression

A new treatment for severe depression is to be introduced at the Linköping University Hospital. It uses magnetic stimulation of nerve cells deep in the brain. The method is currently in use at a very limited number of hospitals worldwide.