ventral tegmental area Research Articles

This shows the chemical structure of dopamine

Novelty speeds up learning thanks to dopamine activation

Neuroscience NewsFebruary 5, 2020

Novelty directly activates the dopamine system and enhances associative learning. The findings have implications for the development of new machine learning technologies and educational strategies.... Read More...

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Researchers discover potential therapy to treat detrimental effects of marijuana

Neuroscience NewsOctober 15, 2019

Prenatal exposure to THC makes dopamine neurons hyperactive and increases the sensitivity to the behavioral effects of the compound during pre-adolescence. This may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life. However, treatment with pregnenolone, a drug under clinical trials for ASD, cannabis use disorder, and schizophrenia, appears to correct the brain abnormalities and behavioral problems associated with prenatal cannabis exposure.... Read More...

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Molecular link between chronic pain and depression revealed

Neuroscience NewsSeptember 26, 2019

Inhibitory inputs to the neural circuit between the dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dlBNST) to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) increase when a person is in chronic pain. This alteration is mediated by enhanced corticotropin-releasing factor signaling within the dlBNST, leading to suppression of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. The result is depressive mood and anhedonia associated with chronic pain.... Read More...

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Study finds hub linking movement and motivation in the brain

Neuroscience NewsSeptember 19, 2019

The lateral septum encodes speed and acceleration information as an animal navigates and learns how to obtain a reward from its environment.... Read More...

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Brain circuit connects feeding and mood in response to stress

Neuroscience NewsSeptember 5, 2019

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...

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Spontaneous brain fluctuations influence risk-taking

Neuroscience NewsAugust 26, 2019

Fluctuations in the dopaminergic midbrain play a critical role in risky decision making.... Read More...

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The neurochemistry of social perception

Neuroscience NewsAugust 8, 2019

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...

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The science behind giving up

Neuroscience NewsJuly 25, 2019

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...

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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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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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News

Overdosing on psychedelics improved mental and physical health: Case studies

Our own immune cells damage the integrity of the blood-brain barrier

Why images may appear closer, or farther, than they actually are

Neuroscience

Overdosing on psychedelics improved mental and physical health: Case studies

Our own immune cells damage the integrity of the blood-brain barrier

Why images may appear closer, or farther, than they actually are

Neurology

Overdosing on psychedelics improved mental and physical health: Case studies

Eating a vegetarian diet rich in nuts, vegetables, soy linked to lower stroke risk

The Brain and Climate Change

AI

Learning difficulties due to poor connectivity, not specific brain regions

New study allows brain and artificial neurons to link up over the web

Artificial intelligence yields drug that halts antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Robotics

Surgeons successfully treat brain aneurysms using a robot

Baby’s Kicks Provide Clues About Infant Development

Low-cost “smart” diaper can notify caregiver when it’s wet

Psychology

Overdosing on psychedelics improved mental and physical health: Case studies

How sound and visual effects on slot machines increase the allure of gambling

Green space can reduce violent crime

ventral tegmental area

Novelty speeds up learning thanks to dopamine activation

Researchers discover potential therapy to treat detrimental effects of marijuana

Molecular link between chronic pain and depression revealed

Study finds hub linking movement and motivation in the brain

Brain circuit connects feeding and mood in response to stress

Spontaneous brain fluctuations influence risk-taking

The science behind giving up

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