reward
Debunking the Dopamine Detox Trend
Hannah Thomasy, PhD | Jul 31, 2024 | 9 min read
The fad of temporarily fasting from pleasurable activities likely won’t “reset” dopamine levels and doesn’t accurately reflect this molecule’s nuanced functions.
Be My Vole-entine: How Love and Loss Change the Brain
Paige Nicklas | May 16, 2024 | 4 min read
Neuroscientists studying prairie voles discovered that dopamine in the brain gushes when the animals are with their life partners and that loss of a partner erased this neurochemical signature.
“Feel-Good” Neurons Steer Mice Toward Hydration-Boosting Liquids
Shafaq Zia | Jul 19, 2022 | 3 min read
The cells signal to the brain how hydrating particular beverages are, but it’s not yet clear whether they play a similar role in humans.
Dopamine Drives Bee Desires: Study
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Apr 28, 2022 | 3 min read
Like in humans, the neurotransmitter appears to play a role in generating wanting-like behavior and, perhaps, happy memories in honeybees.
Ketamine Could Help Cut Alcohol Consumption by Rewiring Memory
Catherine Offord | Nov 27, 2019 | 2 min read
Preliminary findings from a clinical trial of heavy drinkers suggest that the drug can weaken certain memories tied to the reward of imbibing, although the mechanisms aren’t fully clear.
The Cerebellum’s Secrets: A Profile of Kamran Khodakhah
Anna Azvolinsky | Oct 1, 2019 | 8 min read
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine neuroscientist has revealed surprising functions of the brain region, such as its role in the brain’s rewards circuits and in addiction.
Robb Rutledge Pinpoints the Factors That Make Us Happy—Or Not
Shawna Williams | Nov 1, 2018 | 3 min read
The University College London researcher is a pioneer in the use of smartphone apps for psychology research.
Jeremy Day Probes Reward Signaling in the Brain
Catherine Offord | Jan 1, 2017 | 3 min read
The University of Alabama, Birmingham, researcher seeks the neural roots of animal behavior
Neural Circuit Plays Role in Overeating
Alison F. Takemura | Aug 8, 2016 | 1 min read
Activating serotonin receptors halts a binge-like eating behavior in mice, researchers report.
Visualizing Interpersonal Connection
Tanya Lewis | Apr 4, 2016 | 4 min read
People are attracted to others whose emotions they feel they can easily understand, according to a neuroimaging study.
Neural Basis of Risk Aversion
Catherine Offord | Mar 24, 2016 | 2 min read
Researchers identify and manipulate a signal in the brains of rats that controls risky behavior.
Placebo’s Double Whammy
Kerry Grens | Oct 14, 2013 | 2 min read
Sham treatments can both reduce pain and increase pleasure, and do so affecting similar circuitry in the brain.
Beer Tastes Intoxicating
Sabrina Richards | Apr 15, 2013 | 3 min read
Just the flavor of beer is enough to boost dopamine in brain areas related to reward—especially in men with alcoholic relatives.