Weak Brain Nodes Have Strong Influence on Memory Network
Researchers report that for memory formation, the nucleus accumbens is both upstream and influential.... Read More...
nucleus accumbens
How the Brain’s “Reward Circuit” Plays a Key Role in Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
A new meta-analysis of neuroimaging data reveals people with ASD process social and nonsocial rewards differently than those without an autism diagnosis.... Read More...
Connection Between Dopamine and Behavior Related to Pain and Fear
Using optogenetics, researchers have identified a causal association between dopamine and avoidance behavior linked to pain and fear.... Read More...
Overeating? It May be a Brain Glitch
Researchers explore the neuroscience behind binge eating and the triggers that might make us reach for comfort foods.... Read More...
Cannabis Abuse Alters Activity of Brain Regions Linked to Negative Emotion
Researchers report brain alterations associated with heightened feelings of negative emotion and alienation in people who have a dependence on cannabis.... Read More...
Brain Zap Saps Destructive Urges
Deep brain stimulation to the nucleus accumbens can help prevent impulsive behaviors, researchers report in PNAS.... Read More...
Can Brain Lesions Contribute to Criminal Behavior?
Researchers report lesions within a brain network involved in moral decision making can contribute to criminal behavior.... Read More...
Hope for Autism: Optogenetics Shines Light on Social Interactions
Optogenetics helps researchers discover how social behavior and spatial learning are linked in autism.... Read More...
Brain Activity Predicts Crowdfunding Outcomes Better Than Self Reports
University of Michigan researchers report neuroimaging are better predictors of individual choices than traditional surveys. ... Read More...
How Dopamine Tells Us Something Isn’t Worth the Wait
A new study reports on the role dopamine plays in decision making.... Read More...
Why Do We Fall Asleep When We’re Bored?
According to researchers, the nucleus accumbens, an area of the brain associated with pleasure and motivation, can also promote sleep. Researchers believe the findings might help answer why we often fall asleep when we are bored.... Read More...
Oxytocin Turns Up the Volume of Your Social Environment
According to researchers, blocking the activity of oxytocin restored normal social behavior in stressed mice.... Read More...