Taking a mobile neuroimaging system on the road to prisons, researchers look at the brain activity of those considered to be psychopaths and discover their brains are wired in a way that leads them to over-value immediate rewards while neglecting future consequences.
A new Neuron study reports blocking the action of the mTORC1 protein causes mice to stop problem drinking behaviors. The findings could help develop new treatments for addictive behaviors in people.
MDMA, a psychedelic drug, has successfully been used to reopen the 'critical period' of learning the reward values of social behaviors. Researchers report, in mature mice given MDMA, oxytocin triggers signaling in synapses that help encode social learning and memory, a process that does not usually occur in older animals. The findings could help in the development of treatments for PTSD and other disorders.
Researchers discuss how psychedelics can affect the brain and provide therapeutic benefits for those suffering from a range of psychiatric disorders.
Researchers have distinguished two different molecular pathways responsible for addiction and the prosocial feelings generated by MDMA. The findings could lead to novel treatments for psychiatric disorders marked by withdrawal and social awkwardness.
A new study reveals specific brain regions that individually promote patience through the action of serotonin.
Powerful spiritual feelings were associated with activation in the nucleus accumbens, an area of the brain associated with reward, a new study reports.
Researchers suggest a method of biologically manipulating neural circuitry could lead to a new pharmacological approach which could weaken cocaine withdrawal.
Researchers identify neural circuitry responsible for fear and reward learning in mice.
Researchers report they have discovered the region of the brain that registers excitement over a preferred food option. The study reports the findings could help develop new therapies and treatments to potentially combat obesity and encourage healthier eating.
A new study shows that the GLT1 protein plays a critical role in the craving for cocaine which develops after only a few days of cocaine use. However, exposure to ceftriaxone, an antibiotic used to treat meningitis, decreases cocaine cravings.
Opioid receptors involved in itch relief, a new study reports.