Latest

reward system

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 26, 2018·4 min read

Why Cannabis Affects Women Differently

A new study explores the differences in cannabis use between males and females. Researchers reveal women are develop addiction to marijuana more quickly than men. The study reports females have different levels of endocannabinoids and more sensitive receptors than males in areas related to social behavior.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 22, 2018·4 min read

Wishful Thinking is Reward

A new study reports the reward system in our brains may affect our judgments.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 21, 2018·4 min read

Gut Branches of Vagus Nerve Essential Components of Brain’s Reward and Motivation System

Researchers report a gut-brain neural circuit establishes the vagus nerve as an essential component of the brain system that regulates reward and motivation.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 18, 2018·3 min read

The Neuroscience of Envy

A new study provides insight into the neurobiological underpinnings of envy. Researchers have identified a part of the brain that specifically registers when another receives a reward. This affects the subjective value placed on personal resources and rewards.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 13, 2018·8 min read

Regret is a Gambler’s Curse

Researchers report the orbitofrontal cortex replays aspects of past decisions, and the main driver of activity in the OFC is regret when it comes to gambling.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 26, 2018·4 min read

Key Brain Circuits for Reward Seeking and Avoidance Behavior Identified

Researchers have identified two subpopulations of neurons in the BNST that connect to separate populations of neurons in the lateral hypothalamus which appear to drive two opposing emotional states; avoidance and reward seeking

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·July 27, 2018·3 min read

Bile Acids From the Gut Could Help to Treat Cocaine Abuse

A new study reveals bile acids can reduce the rewarding properties of cocaine use.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·July 26, 2018·5 min read

A New Model For How Brain Reward Response May Impact Anorexia

Researchers report the brain's response to taste stimuli is linked to higher anxiety and a drive for thinness in those with anorexia.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 19, 2018·6 min read

How the Brain Reacts to Food May Be Linked to Overeating

A new study reports when certain brain areas react more strongly to food rewards than financial rewards, children are more likely to overeat, even if they are not hungry or overweight.

Featured Neuroscience Neuroscience Videos Psychology

·July 13, 2018·5 min read

The Psychology of Roller Coasters

Researchers investigate why so many people are hooked on the thrill of roller coaster riding.

Featured Genetics

·July 13, 2018·3 min read

Maged1 Gene Protects Against Cocaine Addiction

A new study reports mice lacking the Maged1 gene are unable to acquire an addiction to cocaine.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 2, 2018·4 min read

Reward and Unease Are Closely Linked in the Brain

Researchers say melanocortin 4 receptors may play a role in unease and reward. The study reports dopamine levels fell in the reward system of mice when the animal experienced something unpleasant. However, in mice lacking the melanocortin 4 receptor, dopamine levels increased slightly following a negative experience.