More Than Just Memories: A New Role for the Hippocampus During Learning
A new role for the hippocampus involving pattern separation and conjunctive representation in reinforcement learning is discussed.... Read More...
reward
The Unexpected Creates Reward When Listening to Music
A new study reports unexpected changes in music activates the nucleus accumbens, providing reward and helping us to learn about the music as we listen. ... Read More...
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.... Read More...
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.... Read More...
Surprising Role of the Cerebellum in Reward and Social Behaviors
Researchers reveal the role the cerebellum plays in helping to control the brain's reward system. The researchers identified a direct connection from the cerebellum to the ventral tegmental area. The study may shed new light on neural networks associated with social dysfunction.... Read More...
How Error and Reward Signals are Organized Within the Cerebral Cortex
Researchers reveal how both error and reward signals are organized within the cerebral cortex. ... Read More...
Controlling Children’s Behavior with Screen Time Leads to More Screen Time
Study reports children who reward children with screen time often spend more time interacting with their tablets or smartphones than parents who don't.... Read More...
How the Brain Decides Whether to Hold ’em or Fold ’em
Researchers shed light on the neural mechanisms behind risk taking behaviors. The study reveals the decision to 'up the ante', even when faced with long odds, is a result of an internal bias that adds up over time and involves a 'push pull' dynamic between the two hemispheres of the brain.... Read More...
Personality and Mood Affect Brain Response to Personal Choice
Researchers report personality traits and psychological health impact how we value personal control when making decisions. The study reports brain activity in the motivation system is dampened in those with passive personalities and depression when we receive rewards that we have earned or feel in personal control of situations.... Read More...
Wishful Thinking is Reward
A new study reports the reward system in our brains may affect our judgments. ... Read More...
Researchers Find Brain Signal that May Help Us Navigate the Holiday Buffet
Researchers report they have discovered the region of the brain that registers excitement over a preferred food option. The study reports the findings could help develop new therapies and treatments to potentially combat obesity and encourage healthier eating.... Read More...
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.... Read More...