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ventral tegmental area

Image shows a dad and toddler looking at the sea.

·February 17, 2017·5 min read

How Dads Bond With Toddlers

According to a new study, fathers given a boost of oxytocin expressed increased activity in brain areas associated with empathy and reward when viewing photos of their small children.

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·January 30, 2017·4 min read

Illuminating the Neurons of Social Attraction

Optogenetics and brain imaging techniques allow researchers to identify a small cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus that trigger attraction, a new study reports.

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·January 10, 2017·5 min read

Revealing The Connection Between Female Estrogen Cycle and Cocaine Addiction

According to a new study, cocaine has the most potent effects on the female brain when estrogen levels are at their highest.

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·November 6, 2016·4 min read

Stressed Out Rats Consume More Alcohol

A new study explains the effects of stress on increased alcohol consumption due to changes in the brain's reward center.

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·October 25, 2016·6 min read

Activating Certain Neurons May Spur Recovery From General Anesthesia

Using optogenetics to activate dopamine receptors in the ventral tegmental area could help people regain consciousness following general anesthesia, researchers report.

Image shows the location of the lc in the human brain.

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·September 7, 2016·5 min read

Researchers Identify Method For Creating Long Lasting Memories

Findings have implications for learning methods and memory consolidation.

Image shows the location of the VTA in the human brain.

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·September 5, 2016·6 min read

Brain Circuit That Drives Sleep Wake State and Sleep Preparation Behavior Identified

Researchers have identified a brain circuit that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

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·August 4, 2016·7 min read

Schizophrenia Simulator: When Chemistry Upends Sanity’s Balance

Researchers have developed a model of schizophrenia that simulates chemical imbalances associated with memory disturbances.

Image shows the location of the PFC in the brain.

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·June 23, 2016·5 min read

Precise Control of Brain Circuits Alters Mood: Mouse Study

Researchers have singled and taken control of a circuit in mouse brains in order to dial the animal's mood up or down.

Illustration shows the location of the VTA in the brain.

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·June 6, 2016·3 min read

How Long Term Marijuana Use Alters the Brain’s Reward Circuit

Researchers report chronic marijuana users show more brain activity in the mesocorticolimbic reward system when presented with cannabis cues than with natural reward cues.