Findings shed light on the effect of marijuana on the developing brain and provide a target for cannabis use disorder. Read More
Using optogenetics to activate dopamine receptors in the ventral tegmental area could help people regain consciousness following general anesthesia, researchers report. Read More
Researchers have identified a potential mechanism for the development of alcoholism. Read More
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
Researchers have identified a neural circuit between two brain areas that appears to control binge drinking. Read More
Researchers have identified a brain circuit that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Read More
Functional connectivity problems associated with temporal lobe epilepsy appear to improve after surgery. Read More
Researchers have discovered a lipid that may act as a 'switch' to increase or decrease the motivation to consume nicotine. Read More
Researchers use MRI sensor to map neural activity with molecular precision. Read More
According to researchers, if the ventral tegmental area is unable to produce the correct amount of dopamine for the hippocampus, it will not work efficiently and the impairment can result in dementia. Read More
Researchers have identified a specific network in the brain that appears to be associated with risk and reward assessment. Read More
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
