The Betley Lab at UPenn
@betleylab.bsky.social
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
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...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Summary written by Nathi Magubane
penntoday.upenn.edu/news/its-all...
A parabrachial hub for need-state control of enduring pain - Nature
Activity in a set of parabranchial neurons in the mouse brain is increased during chronic pain, predicts coping behaviour, and can be modulated by circuits activated by survival threats.
www.nature.com
October 8, 2025 at 4:16 PM
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...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Summary written by Nathi Magubane
penntoday.upenn.edu/news/its-all...
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 !
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 !
August 13, 2025 at 8:07 PM
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 !
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!
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!
August 8, 2025 at 2:28 PM
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!
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).
August 5, 2025 at 12:26 PM
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 🧠🍽️
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 🧠🍽️
July 31, 2025 at 7:35 PM
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 🧠🍽️
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!
@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!
July 28, 2025 at 12:34 PM
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!
@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!