The addictive substance in alcohol, ethanol, acts as a stimulant in lower blood-alcohol concentrations and as a depressant in larger concentrations.

The mind-altering chemical in marijuana — tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC — distorts perception and alters a person’s sense of time, space, and self.

And other neuroscience news you may have missed in January 2023.

In a citizen science project, thousands of pet dogs are helping scientists to understand what happens to memory and cognition in old age.

Drug abuse is one of the nation's most serious health problems. About 9 percent of Americans, more than 22 million people, abuse drugs on a regular basis. Drug abuse, including alcohol and nicotine, is estimated to cost the U.S. more than $600 billion each year.

Opioids are substances that bind to opioid receptors in the brain to relieve pain.

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in all tobacco products.

The rhythm of respiration influences a wide range of behaviors, as well as cognition and emotion. Neuroscientists are piecing together how it all works.

Multiple fields have analyzed how varying factors influence people’s perception of personal space in their interactions.

Whether fly or human, fleeing from danger is key to staying alive. Scientists are beginning to unravel the complex circuitry behind the split-second decision to beat a hasty retreat.