Chantel Brink

Chantel Brink

June 8, 2025

Researchers Identify Anxiety ‘Off’ Switch That Causes No Side Effects

Photopharmacology: A Precise Approach

Fear isn’t just a reflex—it’s something the brain can unlearn. Scientists found that the vLGN, not the cortex, holds the key to overcoming instinctive fears, opening doors to new mental health treatments.
Image Credit: Sainsbury Wellcome Centre

The team employed an innovative technique called photopharmacology, which uses light-sensitive drugs to activate receptors with high spatial precision. This method allowed researchers to selectively inhibit the anxiety-related circuit in animal models, confirming that anxiety could be reduced without impairing memory or cognition. This precision marks a significant advance over conventional drug therapies.

Read More: It’s in Your DNA: How Anxiety is Linked to IBS