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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·October 29, 2021·4 min read

Brain Circuitry for Both Positive and Negative Valence Affected by Trauma

The severity of PTSD symptoms was associated with fewer risky choices and increased activation of the amygdala. Decreased activity in the ventral striatum, an area of the brain associated with processing positive valence such as reward, predicted more severe PTSD symptoms 14 months post trauma.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 23, 2018·4 min read

People with Family History of Alcoholism Release More Dopamine in Expectation of Alcohol

A new study reports people who have a family history of alcohol use disorder release more dopamine in the ventral striatum as a response to the expectation of receiving an alcoholic drink than those without a family history of alcoholism.

The image shows the opiod system in the brain.

Featured Psychology

·October 10, 2013·5 min read

Sticks and Stones: Brain Releases Natural Painkillers During Social Rejection

Researchers find the opioid system responds to social rejection, not just physical pain.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 3, 2020·6 min read

A New View of How the Brain Decides to Make an Effort

The ventral striatum plays a key role in decision making, weighing the cost versus the benefit of making a physical effort.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 4, 2018·3 min read

Dancers’ Brains React Quickly to Changes in Music and Display Brain Frequencies Linked to Emotion and Memory Processes

A new study reveals professional dancers' brains react more quickly to musical changes than professional musicians. EEG data reveals dancers display stronger synchronization at a lower theta frequency, which is linked to emotional and memory processing. The study backs up previous findings that indicate both the auditory and motor cortices of dancers develop in unique ways.

Featured Psychology

·July 27, 2017·5 min read

Substance Addiction Changes Mother’s Response to Infant

Substance addiction modifies they way a mother's brain responds to her own child, a new study reports. Researchers found key reward regions of the brain appear to shut down in response to their own infant's smiles in mothers with addictions.

Image shows the professor and two glasses of red wine.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·August 14, 2017·4 min read

Why Expensive Wine Appears to Taste Better

Researchers reveal how our brain's reward system tricks us into thinking a more expensive bottle of wine tastes better.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Videos

·January 30, 2018·5 min read

Brain Pacemaker Shows Promise in Slowing Alzheimer’s Progression

Deep brain stimulation to the frontal lobe may help to improve cognitive, behavioral and functional difficulties in those with Alzheimer's disease, a new study reports.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 31, 2016·5 min read

Addiction Cravings May Get Their Start Deep in the Right Side of the Brain

A new neuroimaging study links alcohol cravings to the right ventral striatum.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 1, 2018·4 min read

Anti-Convulsant Drug Reduces Major Depression Symptoms

Ezogabine, an FDA approved anti-convulsant, appears to significantly reduce symptoms in those with major depressive disorder.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 13, 2019·5 min read

Differences in brain activity in children with anhedonia

Using fMRI to examine the brains of children while resting, researchers discover anhedonia is associated with hyperconnectivity between the cingulo-opercular network and ventral striatum.