The Betley Lab at UPenn
The Betley lab at Penn is focused on understanding how signaling between the body and the brain control our needs and behaviors that add up to influence our overall health. Applications in #metabolism, #feeding, #pain, #addiction and #mentalhealth
- The gut isn’t just for digestion. It is a sensory organ that reports our internal state to the brain in real time. Our Neuron review explores “intestinal interoception”: how gut signals tune physiology + behavior.
- Out today – our newest study on how the brain processes and filters signals of pain! www.nature.com/articles/s41... Summary written by Nathi Magubane penntoday.upenn.edu/news/its-all...
- In the study we found neurons in the hindbrain (Y1R neurons) that broadcast a message of enduring pain state. These neurons may underlie the chronic unpleasantness of pain that is a widespread clinical problem.
- What's next for the #BetleyLab? We're diving deep into #EXERCISE! 🏃♀️💪 Our emerging studies show exercise doesn't just change your body – it literally rewires brain circuits and impacts #dopamine response. It’s a whole new world of #body-brain interaction. Stay tuned !
- In our first study incorporating human data we identified new role for the cerebellum! We found a cerebellar output circuit that is activated only when individuals are hungry and helps control meal size. Even more parts of the brain regulate hunger and satiety!
- One of the #BeltleyLab's most surprising discoveries? Hunger can act as a natural painkiller! 🤯We found that being hungry suppresses long-term, chronic pain signals without affecting your response to acute danger (like a hot stove).
- A look back at the #BetleyLab origins! We started by asking: how does your brain know you're eating? We found the gut signals the brain within SECONDS of food arriving – even without you tasting it! This rapid #gutbrainaxis communication is key to controlling hunger 🧠🍽️
- This summer, the #BetleyLab at @upenn.edu celebrated 10 years of exploring the fascinating dialogue between the body and the brain 🧠<>💪 From hunger to exercise, it's been an incredible decade of discovery. Follow along as we share some highlights over the next couple of weeks!
- We’re also launching our new and improved lab website – check it out here: web.sas.upenn.edu/betley-lab/
