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dorsal striatum

·February 27, 2020·5 min read

How the brain forms habits

As the brain starts to develop new habits, activity in the dorsolateral striatum increases. As the activity bursts increase, the habit becomes stronger. Inhibiting neural activity with optogenetics reduces habit behaviors in mice.

This shows a red skull surrounded by words associated with revenge

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 27, 2022·5 min read

Revenge: The Neuroscience of Why It Feels Good in the Moment, but May Be a Bad Idea in the Long Run

Researchers explore why revenge may feel good in the moment, but often results in mixed emotions later.

Image shows the location of the striatum in the brain.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 23, 2017·3 min read

Recreational Cocaine: Brain Area Associated With Addiction Activated Earlier Than Thought

According to researchers, people who consider themselves to be recreational cocaine users may be closer to addiction than they think.

This is an image of the brain's striatum and prefrontal cortex.

Featured Neurology

·July 9, 2013·3 min read

Study Identifies Brain Circuits Involved in Learning and Decision Making

A new study has identified neural circuits in mice which are involved in the learning and altering of behaviors. The findings could have implications for alcoholism and other addictive behaviors.

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 Psychology

·February 16, 2023·4 min read

Is the Brain Wired Differently in People With Addiction?

Study reveals functional connectivity abnormalities in brain areas associated with reward processing, habit formation, and decision-making in those with substance use disorders and addiction.

MRI scan with the striatum highlighted in red.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 25, 2016·2 min read

Deciphering Sugar’s Siren Song

Signals for taste and nutrients are processed in two separate areas of the striatum, a new study reports.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·August 21, 2020·4 min read

Why Obeying Orders Can Make Us Do Terrible Things

Coercion to perform detrimental actions against others reduces empathy and guilt, a new study reports. The findings may explain why people are able to commit immoral acts that go against their ethical stance when coerced.