Phospholipase C beta 1 in the dentate gyrus gates fear memory formation through regulation of neuronal excitability.

Memory processes rely on a molecular signaling system that balances the interplay between positive and negative modulators. Recent research has focused on identifying memory-regulating genes and their mechanisms. Phospholipase C beta 1 (PLCβ1), highly expressed in the hippocampus, reportedly serves as a convergence point for signal transduction through G protein-coupled receptors.

New approach to measuring income inequality.

We show that the conventional income inequality indexes assess income inequality incorrectly because of three problems. The unequally distributed (UD) income-based approach solves the problems, decomposes income inequality into two kinds of departure from equality, and provides two indexes. The comprehensive assessment of income inequality requires the integration of two kinds of departure.

A neural circuit mechanism for mechanosensory feedback control of ingestion.

Mechanosensory feedback from the digestive tract to the brain is critical for limiting excessive food and water intake, but the underlying gut-brain communication pathways and mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we show that, in mice, neurons in the parabrachial nucleus that express the prodynorphin gene (hereafter, PB neurons) monitor the intake of both fluids and solids, using mechanosensory signals that arise from the upper digestive tract. Most individual PB neurons are activated by ingestion as well as the stimulation of the mouth and stomach, which indicates the representation of integrated sensory signals across distinct parts of the digestive tract.