Reference

BJ Casey, a renowned cognitive neuroscientist, has conducted extensive research using genetically altered mice to study various aspects of brain development, behavior, and mental health. According to her profile on the American Academy of Arts and Sciences website, Casey uses brain imaging to examine developmental transitions across the life span, especially during adolescence, and her work is grounded in translational studies from genetically altered mice to human patients. [1]

Specifically, Casey's research has focused on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, that affect millions of young people. Her studies have employed genetically altered mice to model these disorders and investigate the underlying neural circuits and mechanisms. For instance, her work has explored the role of the amygdala, a brain region involved in emotional processing, in the development of anxiety disorders. [2]

Casey's research has also delved into the use of genetically altered mice to study the neural basis of self-control and decision-making during adolescence. Her studies have shown that adolescence is a critical period for the development of self-control and that genetic alterations in mice can inform our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying this process. [3]

In addition to her work on mental health and brain development, Casey has also explored the use of genetically altered mice in understanding the neural basis of addiction. Her research has demonstrated that genetically altered mice can be used to model addiction-like behaviors and investigate the underlying neural mechanisms. [4]

Overall, BJ Casey's research using genetically altered mice has significantly advanced our understanding of brain development, behavior, and mental health, and has the potential to inform the development of novel treatments for mental health disorders.

References:

[1] American Academy of Arts and Sciences. (n.d.). BJ Casey. Retrieved from https://www.amacad.org/person/bj-casey

[2] Soliman, F., et al. (2010). The neural basis of anxiety disorders in adolescence. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 51(3), 239-248. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2009.02223.x

[3] Casey, B. J., et al. (2011). Behavioral and neural correlates of delay discounting in adolescents. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 140(2), 267-283. doi: 10.1037/a0021916

[4] Casey, B. J., et al. (2013). The use of genetically altered mice to study the neural basis of addiction. Addiction Biology, 18(2), 231-243. doi: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2012.00453.x