ventral tegmental area Research Articles

Early life exposure to nicotine alters neurons, predisposes brain to addiction later

Neuroscience NewsMay 22, 2019

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...

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This shows brain scans following surgery for TLE

Brain network activity can improve in epilepsy patients after surgery

Neuroscience NewsMay 19, 2019

Functional connectivity problems associated with temporal lobe epilepsy appear to improve after surgery. ... Read More...

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Sex and Aggression Controlled by Cold Sensor in Brain: Mouse Study

Neuroscience NewsMarch 1, 2019

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...

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Nicotine Exposure During Pregnancy Alters Dopamine Neurons and Genes in Newborns

Neuroscience NewsFebruary 6, 2019

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...

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When It Comes to Brain Connectivity, Cell Location Matters Most

Neuroscience NewsJanuary 25, 2019

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...

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Surprising Role of the Cerebellum in Reward and Social Behaviors

Neuroscience NewsJanuary 17, 2019

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...

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GABA Cells Help Fight Alcoholism

Neuroscience NewsDecember 19, 2018

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...

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Dopamine’s Yin-Yang Personality: It’s an Upper and a Downer

Neuroscience NewsDecember 10, 2018

Researchers shed light on the dual nature of dopamine, as a neurotransmitter that makes us seek pleasure and also reinforces avoidance of pain.... Read More...

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Dopamine Primes the Brain for Enhanced Vigilance

Neuroscience NewsNovember 8, 2018

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.... Read More...

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Dopamine Drives Early Addiction to Heroin

Neuroscience NewsOctober 30, 2018

Researchers have identified a significant role dopamine plays in the development of heroin addiction. The study reports dopamine appears to directly cause drug reinforcement and, when dopamine neurons are silenced, mice are less likely to self administer the drug.... Read More...

FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology5 min read

New Target of Alcohol in the Brain Identified

Neuroscience NewsOctober 24, 2018

Researchers have identified a new target of alcohol in the brain. A new study reveals alcohol blocks the KCNK13 potassium channel within the membrane of dopamine releasing neurons in the ventral tegmental area.... Read More...

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How Cues Drive Our Behavior

Neuroscience NewsAugust 3, 2018

Researchers shed light on the role dopamine neurons play in assigning values to transient environmental cues that drive behaviors. ... Read More...

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ventral tegmental area

Early life exposure to nicotine alters neurons, predisposes brain to addiction later

Brain network activity can improve in epilepsy patients after surgery

Sex and Aggression Controlled by Cold Sensor in Brain: Mouse Study

Nicotine Exposure During Pregnancy Alters Dopamine Neurons and Genes in Newborns

When It Comes to Brain Connectivity, Cell Location Matters Most

GABA Cells Help Fight Alcoholism

Dopamine’s Yin-Yang Personality: It’s an Upper and a Downer

Dopamine Primes the Brain for Enhanced Vigilance

Dopamine Drives Early Addiction to Heroin

New Target of Alcohol in the Brain Identified

How Cues Drive Our Behavior