Gonny Smit

Gonny Smit

As a Marketing Communication Specialist, I get to read, write, and learn a lot about behavioral neuroscience. I spend my days creating anything from videos and blog posts to website and leaflet content. Outside of the office, I love spending time with my horse, working out, and traveling.

blood-sugar-rewarding-effect-smoking

Normalization of blood sugar reduces enhanced rewarding effect of smoking

Why are the rewarding effects of nicotine greater in diabetic rats?
gait-analysis-parkinsons-rat-model

Using gait analysis to analyze Parkinson’s in rat model

Contrary to common methods, gait analysis can detect clinically relevant symptoms early on, researchers say.
alzheimer-research-morris-water-maze-task

Alzheimer research and the Morris water maze task

First developed in 1981 by Richard Morris, the Morris water maze task is still one of the most popular tests for memory and learning in rodents.
zebrafish-als-gene

A new zebrafish model for ALS-related gene mutations

How zebrafish are helping us to discover the mechanisms behind this neurodegenerative disease.
parasitic-infection-memory-mice

The effects of parasitic infections on learning and memory in mice

Worm infections can cause cognitive problems. But it’s unclear if it affects learning, memory, or both.
ptsd-and-immune-system

Freeze! A recent study on PTSD and the immune system

It is pretty well-known that stress and anxiety have an effect on the immune system. This can be a real problem, especially in psychiatric disorders.
anabolic-steroids-rat-study

Exercise vs anabolic steroids: a rat study

A recent study shows that the use of anabolic steroids diminishes the positive effects of exercise in rats.
zebrafish-down-syndrome-gene-autism

Knockout of Down syndrome gene in zebrafish leads to autistic-like behaviors

Knockout of Down syndrome gene in zebrafish leads to autistic-like behaviors: Though earlier knockout models in mice failed, researchers have developed a successful zebrafish model.
pd-drugs-zebrafish

Putative neurorestorative drug for Parkinson’s disease tested in zebrafish

About zebrafish and their important role in finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
zebrafish-strain-differences

Strain differences in zebrafish behavior and physiology

A zebrafish is not just a zebrafish. Strain differences in zebrafish behavior and physiology.