Science Channel : Science Channel. Collective-Evolution. Is this peptide a key to happiness? Findings suggests possible new treatment for depression, other disorders. What makes us happy? Family? Money? Love? How about a peptide? The neurochemical changes underlying human emotions and social behavior are largely unknown. Now though, for the first time in humans, scientists at UCLA have measured the release of a specific peptide, a neurotransmitter called hypocretin, that greatly increased when subjects were happy but decreased when they were sad. The finding suggests that boosting hypocretin could elevate both mood and alertness in humans, thus laying the foundation for possible future treatments of psychiatric disorders like depression by targeting measureable abnormalities in brain chemistry.
In addition, the study measured for the first time the release of another peptide, this one called melanin concentrating hormone, or MCH. The study is published in the March 5 online edition of the journal Nature Communications. Since depression is strongly associated with narcolepsy, Siegel's lab began to explore hypocretin and its possible link to depression. Astrobiology Magazine -- The Origin and Evolution of Life in the Universe. Science Alert: Research News, Features, Opinions & Jobs from Australia & NZ. Applety Javy - Fizyka. Kulturownia.pl. Phys.org - Science News, Technology, Physics, Nanotechnology, Space Science, Earth Science, Medicine. Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology.
The Scientist Magazine® BBC Science - BBC Science. Truthout. You Have The Right To Know: 17 Chemicals To Avoid In Cosmetic And Personal Care Products.