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dopamine neurons

·June 16, 2022·3 min read

Researchers Described How the Cerebellum Modulates Our Ability to Socialize

Dopamine in the cerebellum helps regulate social behaviors via its action on D2 receptors. Changes in D2 levels in Purkinje cells alter sociability and preference for social novelty without affecting motor function.

Electrophysiology Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 28, 2021·3 min read

Protein Linked to Sex Differences in Age-Related Dopamine Neuron Loss

The VGLUT protein is more abundant in the dopamine neurons of female fruit flies, rodents, and humans than in males. The finding shed light on why females have greater resilience to age-related dopamine neuron loss and disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 23, 2021·4 min read

Parkinson’s Gene May Impair How New Neurons Are Made Throughout Our Lifetime

PINK1, a gene associated with Parkinson's disease, is not just responsible for the premature death of dopaminergic neurons, it also plays a key role in the neurogenesis of dopamine neurons throughout life.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 20, 2021·3 min read

Shifting Rewards Are Encoded Using Special Neuronal Patterns

Dopamine neurons in the midbrain become active in a previously undetected way when an animal considers a reward that is changing in value.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·June 24, 2020·6 min read

One-time treatment generates new neurons and eliminates Parkinson’s disease

Researchers administered PTB antisense oligonucleotide treatment directly to the midbrain of mice. In the mouse models exposed to the treatment, a small subset of astrocytes converted to neurons, increasing the number of neurons by 30%. Three months after treatment, mice were completely free of Parkinson's disease symptoms and remained in remission for the rest of their lives.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 18, 2019·4 min read

Neuromelanin-Sensitive MRI Identified As a Potential Biomarker for Psychosis

A new study reports neuromelanin sensitive MRI is able to measure dopamine function associated with psychosis.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 10, 2018·6 min read

Dopamine’s Yin-Yang Personality: It’s an Upper and a Downer

Researchers shed light on the dual nature of dopamine, as a neurotransmitter that makes us seek pleasure and also reinforces avoidance of pain.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·August 3, 2018·4 min read

How Cues Drive Our Behavior

Researchers shed light on the role dopamine neurons play in assigning values to transient environmental cues that drive behaviors.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 8, 2018·3 min read

Discovering Dopamine’s Role in the Brain

Researchers pay tribute to Arvid Carlsson, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for his research into dopamine, and evaluate what his research means to modern neuroscience.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 27, 2018·4 min read

Dopamine’s Role in Unlearning Fearful Association

Researchers report dopamine neurons may play a role in fear extinction. The study suggests targeting dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area could be of therapeutic benefit to reduce the impact of learned fear in PTSD and anxiety disorders.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 2, 2018·5 min read

How Dopamine Neurons Contribute to Memory Formation in Humans

According to researchers, dopamine neurons may play a key role in the formation of episodic memory. The findings could help in the development of new treatments for neurodegenerative disorders that affect memory.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 8, 2018·1 min read

Amphetamine Abuse Disrupts Development of the Prefrontal Cortex: Mouse Study

According to a new study to be published in eNeuro, amphetamine use may disrupt the development of the orbital prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with decision making.