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reward processing

The image shows a drawing of a hippocampus.

·January 29, 2026·5 min read

Hippocampus Predicts Rewards by Reorganizing Memories

Researchers have discovered that the hippocampus isn't just for memory; it acts as a predictive model that shifts neural activity to anticipate rewards, providing new insights into Alzheimer’s.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 15, 2024·7 min read

Beta Brain Waves: A Novel Brain Signature for Depression

A new study identifies beta frequency neural activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as crucial for recognizing rewards and shaping behavior. This neural signature is altered in patients with depression, suggesting it could serve as a biomarker and potential treatment target for anhedonia.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 29, 2020·4 min read

Nucleus Accumbens Neuron Ensembles Recruited by Cocaine and Sugar Are Different

Cocaine and sucrose neuron ensembles in the nucleus accumbens are mostly non-overlapping.

This shows a drawing of a brain made up of cog wheels

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 23, 2020·3 min read

How the brain processes rewards

Different types of reward have unique effects on the basal ganglia nuclei. Food rewards influence the left hemisphere of the brain, while erotic rewards engage the right lateral globus and left caudate. Financial rewards engage the basal ganglia bilaterally.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 22, 2019·4 min read

Inability to Integrate Reward Information Contributes to Undervalued Rewards in Schizophrenia

A new computational model reveals the impaired ability to integrate size and probability of reward in those with schizophrenia may be the result of a lack of consideration of the magnitude of the reward.

Image shows a stubbed out cigarette on a calendar.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 10, 2017·3 min read

Nicotine Withdrawal Affects the Brain’s Cognitive System

Penn State researchers report nicotine withdrawal may blunt working memory and cognitive processing.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 21, 2017·3 min read

Afternoon Slump in Reward Response

A new Journal of Neuroscience study reveals the activation of a brain area associated with reward response early in the afternoon.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 17, 2016·6 min read

Mom’s Voice Activates Many Different Regions in Children’s Brains

A new study reports a number of different areas of children's brains become activated when they hear their mother's voice. This response predicts a child's social communication ability.