Brain hack: Scientists find ‘off switch’ for anxiety without side effects

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine identified a brain circuit connecting the insula to the basolateral amygdala that can reduce anxiety symptoms without cognitive side effects. By activating specific receptors in this circuit, researchers improved social behavior and eating patterns in mice without impairing memory. This discovery could lead to more effective anxiety treatments with fewer drawbacks than current medications. Further studies will focus on developing therapies targeting this pathway.