VTA Research Articles - Neuroscience News

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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Rave new world: Scientists pry apart party drug’s therapeutic, addictive qualities

Neuroscience NewsDecember 11, 2019

Researchers have distinguished two different molecular pathways responsible for addiction and the prosocial feelings generated by MDMA. The findings could lead to novel treatments for psychiatric disorders marked by withdrawal and social awkwardness.... 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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This shows a woman looking at different faces

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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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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News

FDA approves ozanimod for treatment of multiple sclerosis

New Study Uses Robots to Uncover the Connections Between the Human Mind and Walking Control

Neuroscience

FDA approves ozanimod for treatment of multiple sclerosis

New Study Uses Robots to Uncover the Connections Between the Human Mind and Walking Control

Neurology

FDA approves ozanimod for treatment of multiple sclerosis

A new way to study HIV’s impact on the brain

Study shows legal marijuana products too strong for pain relief

AI

Machine learning helps doctors diagnose severity of brain tumors

Artificial Intelligence for Very Young Brains

Portable AI device turns coughing sounds into health data for flu and pandemic forecasting

Robotics

New Study Uses Robots to Uncover the Connections Between the Human Mind and Walking Control

COVID-19 should be wake-up call for robotics research

Psychology

Mother/infant skin-to-skin touch boosts baby’s brain development and function

VTA

Novelty speeds up learning thanks to dopamine activation

Rave new world: Scientists pry apart party drug’s therapeutic, addictive qualities

Molecular link between chronic pain and depression revealed

Study finds hub linking movement and motivation in the brain

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

When It Comes to Brain Connectivity, Cell Location Matters Most