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Scientists discover the key to treating depression and anxiety

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how to treat depression and anxiety by identifying a key mechanism in the brain. Research published in the journal *Nature* has revealed that the protein BMAL1, which regulates the body's circadian rhythms, plays a crucial role in controlling the activity of neurons in the brain's lateral habenula, an area linked to negative mood states. By manipulating BMAL1, researchers found they could reduce the activity of these neurons, thereby alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety in animal models. This discovery suggests that targeting the circadian clock could offer new therapeutic strategies for managing mood disorders, potentially leading to treatments that are more effective and have fewer side effects than current options.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/science/biochemistry/scientists-discover-the-key-to-treating-depression-and-anxiety/ar-AA1v4W6P ]