Researchers at European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Monterotondo, Italy have discovered specific cells in the brain of mice that switch the modes of behavior in danger, making the rodents either freeze in fear or search for the source of danger and the way to avoid it. The results of the research may help scientists to fight human stress.

During one of the experiments the scientists managed to block the electrical activity of neurons. This led to a change of strategy in the behavior of the rodents experiencing fear. Instead of freezing in fear when hearing an unpleasant sound, the mice started looking around to detect the source of danger.

"It seemed that we were not blocking the fear, but just changing [the mice's] responses from a passive to an active coping strategy," Gross said.

The authors of the article said that passive or active response to fear is common for people and that’s why understanding how to control it may be useful to help people struggle with everyday stressful situations.