A Deep Dive into Dopamine: Detox, Depression, and Beyond
A Deep Dive into Dopamine: Detox, Depression, and Beyond
Dopamine is a nuanced molecule that not only plays important roles in bad habits but also in behaviors that are necessary for survival and well-being.
Dopamine is a nuanced molecule that not only plays important roles in bad habits but also in behaviors that are necessary for survival and well-being.
dopamine
Can the Brain Help Heal a Broken Heart?
Hannah Thomasy, PhD | Aug 28, 2024 | 6 min read
Stimulation of neural reward pathways may help mice recover from heart attacks.
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 | 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.
All-nighters Sometimes Combat Depression
Hannah Thomasy, PhD | Jan 5, 2024 | 3 min read
Dopamine pathways play a key role in the surprising effects of sleep deprivation on mood.
“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.
LabTalk Podcast - The New Era of Neurodegeneration Research
The Scientist | 1 min read
Erdem Gültekin Tamgüney discusses the future of neurodegeneration research and his work exploring the link between stroke and Parkinson’s disease.
Giannina Descalzi Studies the Factors Underlying Chronic Pain
Natalia Mesa, PhD | May 16, 2022 | 3 min read
The University of Guelph neuroscientist is scoping out the brain regions and genes that change as a consequence of pain that lasts for months or even years.
Specific Brain Cells Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
Dan Robitzski | May 6, 2022 | 2 min read
Research identifies 10 types of dopamine-making neurons, one of which seems to die off during the disease.
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.
Serotonin and Dopamine Linked to Decision-Making: Study
Amanda Heidt | Oct 16, 2020 | 5 min read
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers monitored subsecond changes in levels of the neurotransmitters in the human brain, unlocking new insight into their function.
Oleh Hornykiewicz, Who Pioneered Treatment for Parkinson’s, Dies
Amanda Heidt | Jun 18, 2020 | 3 min read
The University of Toronto and University of Vienna pharmacologist developed L-dopa, a precursor to dopamine that remains the most widely used therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
Neurobiologist Paul Greengard Dies
Ashley Yeager | Apr 15, 2019 | 3 min read
The Nobel laureate revolutionized our understanding of how brain cells communicate.
Parkinson’s Patient Transplanted with Neurons Derived from iPSCs
Ashley P. Taylor | Nov 14, 2018 | 2 min read
This is the first time researchers have tested the use of the reprogrammed stem cells in the human brain.
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.
Nicotine’s Effects Passed On Through Generations of Mice
Kerry Grens | Oct 16, 2018 | 2 min read
Male rodents exposed to nicotine had changes in sperm genome methylation and produced pups and grandpups with abnormal behavior.
Maternal Obesity and Diabetes Linked to Autism in Children
Sukanya Charuchandra | Oct 1, 2018 | 5 min read
Inflammation may be a strong contender for the connection between mom’s weight and children’s neurodevelopment, according to lab studies on animals.
Image of the Day: Dopamine Made Them Do It
Sukanya Charuchandra | Sep 28, 2018 | 1 min read
Levels of the neurotransmitter drive ant foraging behavior in the desert.
Parkinson’s Disease Enzyme Implicated in More Cases Than Realized
Sukanya Charuchandra | Aug 2, 2018 | 4 min read
Levels of active LRRK2 were high even in Parkinson’s patients without a mutation in LRRK2, suggesting that inhibitors of the protein could treat a wider patient population than expected.
Trial Launched to Treat Parkinson’s with Reprogrammed Stem Cells
Diana Kwon | Jul 31, 2018 | 1 min read
Surgeons will inject approximately 5 million dopamine-producing progenitor cells into patients’ brains.