A new rodent study uncovers a neural circuit in the brain that appears to govern pain-induced anhedonia. Altering the activity of this circuit restored motivation in pre-clinical models of pain.
Researchers have identified a pre-programmed neural circuit in the basolateral amygdala of mice that processes both positive and negative stimuli.
The brain's reward system plays a key role in helping behaviors and empathy.
Researchers have identified a new reward system in the brain. The study found long-range GABA neurons from the ventral tegmental area to the ventral nucleus accumbens shell are engaged in reward and reinforcement behaviors. This GABAergic projection inhibits cholinergic interneurons.
The stronger the connection between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and temporal-parietal junction, the less likely people are to punish others for selfish deeds.
Study highlights the role dopamine receptors play in motivation and decision making.
Study reveals the types of foods you load your plates with at all you can eat buffets may predict your risk for obesity.
When a rat helps another within its social group, brain areas associated with reward and motivation become more active. This does not occur when a rat is faced with the prospect of helping another rat outside its social group. Researchers say the findings may provide a better understanding of similar social biases in humans.
Eating disorder behaviors are reinforced due to changes in the brain's reward response processes and alterations in the food intake control network.
Flavored e-cigarette tobacco engages the taste system, while non-flavored vaped nicotine triggers the brain's reward system in a similar way observed when people smoke traditional cigarettes.
Study reveals specific neurons in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex that become active when people are faced with the decision to learn or hide from information about an adverse event the person is not able to prevent.
A new study reveals what goes on in the brain when a person embarks on a musical collaboration project.
