ventral tegmental area

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...

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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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Maged1 Gene Protects Against Cocaine Addiction

Neuroscience NewsJuly 13, 2018

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

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Dopamine’s Role in Unlearning Fearful Association

Neuroscience NewsJune 27, 2018

Researchers report dopamine neurons may play a role in fear extinction. The study suggests targeting dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area could be of therapeutic benefit to reduce the impact of learned fear in PTSD and anxiety disorders.... Read More...

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How Your Brain Decides Between Knowledge and Ignorance

Neuroscience NewsJune 26, 2018

Researchers report the brain's reward network could play an influential role in evaluating the opportunity to gain new information, just as it does to evaluate rewards such as food or financial gain.... Read More...

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