Study finds hub linking movement and motivation in the brain
The lateral septum encodes speed and acceleration information as an animal navigates and learns how to obtain a reward from its environment.... Read More...
ventral tegmental area
Brain circuit connects feeding and mood in response to stress
A new study identifies a novel neural network regulating feeding and mood in response to chronic stress. Inhibiting the POMC to ventral tegmental area circuit increases body weight and food intake while reducing depressive symptoms in mouse models.... Read More...
Spontaneous brain fluctuations influence risk-taking
Fluctuations in the dopaminergic midbrain play a critical role in risky decision making.... Read More...
The neurochemistry of social perception
Researchers examined the effects oxytocin and vasopressin had on perceptions of social dominance. Oxytocin increased perception of greater dominance. Neuroimaging revealed the findings were also reflected in changes in brain regions associated with social perception.... Read More...
The science behind giving up
Pnoc neurons in the paranigral ventral tegmental area become active when mice seek rewards. Stimulating these neurons with optogenetics promotes avoidance behaviors. Researchers say ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron NOPR expression is necessary to limit reward-seeking behavior.... Read More...
Early life exposure to nicotine alters neurons, predisposes brain to addiction later
Mouse study reveals neonatal nicotine exposure primes the ventral tegmental area, making the animals more susceptible to the effects of nicotine when exposed again later in life. ... Read More...
Brain network activity can improve in epilepsy patients after surgery
Functional connectivity problems associated with temporal lobe epilepsy appear to improve after surgery. ... Read More...
Sex and Aggression Controlled by Cold Sensor in Brain: Mouse Study
Embedding a molecule called TRPM8 into the surface of some cells helps reduce aggression and sexual appetite in mice, a new study reports. ... Read More...
Nicotine Exposure During Pregnancy Alters Dopamine Neurons and Genes in Newborns
A new study reports chronic nicotine exposure during pregnancy alters the genetics and dopamine neurons of newborns. The findings could help researchers develop a possible cure for nicotine addiction.... Read More...
When It Comes to Brain Connectivity, Cell Location Matters Most
A new study reports brain connectivity appears to be dictated by the spatial architecture of neurons, rather than the cell type-specific cues. ... 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...
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.... Read More...