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dopamine

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 18, 2019·4 min read

How Gut Bacteria Affects the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

A new study reveals how bacteria in the gut is able to metabolize levodopa into dopamine in Parkinson's patients.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 17, 2019·7 min read

Surprising Role of the Cerebellum in Reward and Social Behaviors

Researchers reveal the role the cerebellum plays in helping to control the brain's reward system. The researchers identified a direct connection from the cerebellum to the ventral tegmental area. The study may shed new light on neural networks associated with social dysfunction.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 11, 2019·6 min read

How the Brain Makes Choices

From decision making to action, researchers explore how the brain allows us to make choices.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 10, 2019·5 min read

Disconnect Between Dopamine System and Cocaine Addiction Uncovered

Researchers report the release of dopamine alters when working to obtain cocaine. The study reports, the more effort it takes to secure a supply of the illicit drug, the lower the release of dopamine when taking cocaine.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 8, 2019·3 min read

The Brain Hungers for Dopamine

A new study reveals the role dopamine plays in controlling eating behaviors. Researchers found when people crave specific foods, the brain releases more dopamine when they finally consume the item. The study reports the gastrointestinal tract is in constant contact with the brain and uses reward stimuli to control our desire for food.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 2, 2019·3 min read

Why Are People Religious? A Cognitive Perspective

Researchers investigate both the cognitive and neurobiological basis of why so people have religious beliefs.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 2, 2019·2 min read

Hyperactive Immune System Implicated in Aging Brain Disorders

According to a new study, the immune system may play a critical role in damage associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and ALS. The study reports altering Cdk5 results in the death of dopamine neurons and slowed autophagy.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 31, 2018·6 min read

Tips For A New Year Tuneup For Your Brain

Researchers provide strategies for enhancing brain health and lowering stress in the new year.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 27, 2018·3 min read

Your Brain Rewards You Twice Per Meal

Upon eating, dopamine is released in the brain at two different times, during ingestion and when the food reaches our stomach, researchers report.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 19, 2018·4 min read

GABA Cells Help Fight Alcoholism

Researchers have identified how alcohol influences dopaminergic and inhibitory neurons in the ventral tegmental area. The findings could help develop new treatments for alcohol dependence.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 13, 2018·6 min read

Ritalin Drives Greater Connection Between Brain Areas Key to Memory and Attention

A new neuroimaging study reveals methylphenidate, better known as Ritalin, increases the level of dopamine available in the caudate. Along with increased dopamine levels, researchers also notice greater functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and precuneus, three areas of the brain associated with memory and attention.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·December 12, 2018·3 min read

Gut Hormone Increases Response to Food

Researchers discover activity in brain regions involved in reward response from dopamine was higher in subjects injected with the hormone ghrelin, but only when responding to images associated with food smells. The study reports ghrelin controls the extent to which the brain associates reward with food odors.