Dopamine’s Yin-Yang Personality: It’s an Upper and a Downer
Researchers shed light on the dual nature of dopamine, as a neurotransmitter that makes us seek pleasure and also reinforces avoidance of pain.... Read More...
pleasure
New Insights Into Loss of Pleasure in Depression
A new study reveals a brain region that contributes to anhedonia, the loss of pleasure, in those with depression. The study also shows how ketamine acts on this brain region, explaining why the drug appears to be so effective at treating anhedonia.... Read More...
Beauty is Simpler, and Less Special, Than We Realize
Analyzing the work of great philosophers and recent neuroscience research, researchers conclude certain simple features, such as symmetry and roundness, make things more attractive to us.... Read More...
How Pleasure Affects Our Brains
A new article looks at the neuroscience of pleasure and considers why, in the pursuit of pleasure, we embark in some actions which are detrimental to our well being.... Read More...
Overcoming Bias About Music Takes Work
Researchers reveal telling people whether a musician in a professional or student can change the way the brain responds to the music they are playing. ... Read More...
In Pursuit of Pleasure, the Brain Learns to Hit the Repeat Button
According to researchers, the brain learns to reproduce brain activity patterns that lead to reward. The findings could lead to new avenues for treating addiction and OCD, researchers report.... Read More...
People with Anhedonia Do Experience Pleasure, Just Not As Often
It is possible for those with anhedonia to enjoy experiences and feel pleasure, however, those with the disorder find it hard to maintain their positive emotions, a new study reports.... Read More...
Beauty Requires Thought
Researchers report distractions can detract from the experience of beauty, and sensuous pleasures can also be beautiful.... Read More...
The Pain and Pleasure of Sad Music
A new study sheds pinpoints the ways in which people regulate their mood with the help of music.... Read More...
Brain Structures Involved in Delayed Gratification Identified
Researchers implicate the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens in decisions that call for delayed gratification.... Read More...
Does Motherhood Dampen Cocaine’s Effects?
Mother rats respond much differently to cocaine than female rats that have never given birth, according to new University of Michigan research that looks at both behavior and brain chemistry.... Read More...