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reward system

·January 24, 2019·5 min read

Dopamine Modulates Reward Experiences Elicited by Music

Researchers report a causal link between dopamine, musical pleasure and motivation. Phamacologically manipulating dopamine levels, researchers found increasing dopamine increased the hedonic experience and motivational response to listening to a piece of music.

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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 10, 2019·5 min read

Disconnect Between Dopamine System and Cocaine Addiction Uncovered

Researchers report the release of dopamine alters when working to obtain cocaine. The study reports, the more effort it takes to secure a supply of the illicit drug, the lower the release of dopamine when taking cocaine.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 8, 2019·3 min read

The Brain Hungers for Dopamine

A new study reveals the role dopamine plays in controlling eating behaviors. Researchers found when people crave specific foods, the brain releases more dopamine when they finally consume the item. The study reports the gastrointestinal tract is in constant contact with the brain and uses reward stimuli to control our desire for food.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 8, 2019·4 min read

Different Brain Areas Linked to Smoking and Drinking Behaviors

A new study reveals researchers have identified areas of the brain which are different in those who regularly smoke and drink alcohol. Researchers discovered the medial orbitofrontal cortex, an area of the brain implicated in reward, has higher functional connectivity in drinkers. In those who smoke, the lateral orbiotfrontal cortex, an area of the brain linked to impulsive behavior, has lower functional connectivity. The study suggests nicotine may increase overall brain connectivity, which may lead to increased smoking behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 27, 2018·3 min read

Your Brain Rewards You Twice Per Meal

Upon eating, dopamine is released in the brain at two different times, during ingestion and when the food reaches our stomach, researchers report.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·December 21, 2018·4 min read

How Calorie Content Makes You Rethink Food Choices

A neuroimaging study reveals seeing images of food with calorie information alters the way the brain responds to the food, making the item seem less appealing.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 19, 2018·4 min read

GABA Cells Help Fight Alcoholism

Researchers have identified how alcohol influences dopaminergic and inhibitory neurons in the ventral tegmental area. The findings could help develop new treatments for alcohol dependence.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·December 4, 2018·4 min read

Microbial Based Treatment Reverses ASD’s Social Deficits: Mouse Study

Researchers report the administration of Lactobacillus reuteri may lead to brain changes that reverse social deficits in mouse models of ASD through a mechanism that involves the vagus nerve and reward system. The findings hold promise for the development of treatments for ASD, as well as other disorders, by modulating specific gut microbes.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 27, 2018·4 min read

Clues to Brain Changes in Depression Discovered

A new study sheds light on how the brain processes rewards and provides a deeper understanding on the neurobiology of depression.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 8, 2018·5 min read

Dopamine Primes the Brain for Enhanced Vigilance

Researchers have identified a brain network that may control the diversion of attention to focus on potential threats. Dopamine, they report, is key to the process.