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dopamine

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·March 23, 2022·5 min read

Motivation to Achieve Goals May Depend on Anxiety Level

The motivation to exert sustained effort to achieve a goal following stress exposure depends on an individual's level of trait anxiety. The expression of CRHR1 in dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area connects anxiety to either boosted or diminished motivation levels.

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·March 19, 2022·4 min read

Mine or Ours: The Brain’s Choice

The ventral striatum plays a critical role in how we view shared or private natural resources, a new study reports.

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·March 3, 2022·5 min read

New MRI Probe Can Reveal More of the Brain’s Inner Workings

A novel probe for fMRI traces connections between neurons, helping researchers map brain circuits that underlie behavior and perception.

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·February 7, 2022·3 min read

A Yet Unknown Neural Mechanism of Habit Formation Identified

Study provides insight into the behavioral function of dopamine signaling in the striatum.

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·February 4, 2022·4 min read

‘Hangxiety’: Why Some People Experience Anxiety During a Hangover

Up to 12% of adult drinkers experience anxiety during a hangover. Researchers examine how some are prone to feeling more anxious when experiencing a hangover.

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·January 18, 2022·7 min read

Study Highlights Connections Between Addictive Drugs and Brain Function in Mice

Study reveals the specific changes that occur in the brains of mice exposed to cocaine. The findings shed new light on the role of dopamine in addiction, and provide new insight into dopamine transmission in the brain.

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·December 31, 2021·7 min read

The ‘Runner’s High’ May Result From Molecules Called Cannabinoids – The Body’s Own Version of THC and CBD

New findings reveal exercise increases levels of endocannabinoids in the body. The findings may explain some of the beneficial effects of exercise on the brain and body.

This shows oxytocin and dopamine neurons

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·December 29, 2021·6 min read

Oxytocin in a Developing Fish Brain Determines Later Social Behavior

Zebrafish whose brains lacked oxytocin during the first two weeks of life had impaired capacity for social interaction as they aged. Researchers also found oxytocin-producing neurons were critical for the development of dopaminergic neurons.

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·December 15, 2021·5 min read

How Diet Influences Taste Sensitivity and Preference

Diet influences dopamine and insulin signaling in the brain, which in turn directly affects the peripheral sensory response in fruit flies. This response influences what the fly decides to eat next.

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Featured Neuroscience

·December 2, 2021·4 min read

Tracking the Neurons That Make Us Social

The motivation to invest in social interactions is closely linked to the reward system via the activation of dopaminergic neurons.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 17, 2021·4 min read

Why Sad Songs Make Us Feel Good

Researchers explore the psychological and neurobiological basis of why listening to sad music often makes us feel good and lifts our spirits.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·November 8, 2021·4 min read

Expectations and Dopamine Can Affect Outcome of SSRI Antidepressant Treatment

The placebo effect combined with dopamine levels can determine whether symptoms of depression and social anxiety will improve in patients prescribed SSRI antidepressants. Researchers found the positive effect of the medications was four times higher in patients with high expectations the treatment would work compared to those with lower expectations.