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When needs compete, love trumps thirst

A Cornell University-led study found that the brain's dopamine reward system dynamically retunes in response to changing priorities, prioritizing love over thirst. By using advanced techniques developed by researchers, they were able to track the brain's dopamine reward system and find for the first time that it flexibly tunes toward t...

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateSep 27, 2023

Medications for chronic diseases affect the body’s ability to regulate body temperature, keep cool

Chronic disease medications impair the body's ability to regulate core temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related illness in elderly patients. Exercise and improved fitness levels can help mitigate these effects, but bodily impairments from chemotherapy and medications may limit exercise capacity.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalPharmacological Reviews·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2023

Study shows promise of gene therapy for alcohol use disorder

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that implanting a specific molecule in the brain can effectively reduce alcohol use among chronic heavy drinkers. The study showed a 90% reduction in drinking behavior in nonhuman primates, with the implanted virus permanently increasing dopamine levels and reducing cravings.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

Dopamine controls movement, not just rewards

Researchers have identified a diverse range of dopamine neurons that control movement, contradicting the long-held assumption that they only respond to rewards. The study sheds new light on Parkinson's disease, which affects motor skills despite the loss of dopamine neurons.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

A boost in dopamine during adolescence permanently amplifies dopamine function, impulsivity, and aggression in mice

Researchers found that blocking dopamine transporters during mid-adolescence increases adult aggression, impulsivity, and the behavioral response to amphetamine in mice. Artificially stimulating dopaminergic neurons also exacerbated impulsive behavior in tasks. The study suggests potential harm from stimulant exposure in healthy teens ...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2023

Progressing undetected for years

Researchers at the University of Montreal found that movement circuits in mice brains are insensitive to dopamine levels, contradicting initial hypotheses. This discovery could lead to new approaches to reduce Parkinson's disease symptoms by identifying mechanisms involved in dopamine secretion.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2023

Preying on hungry, anxious worms

In a new study, Salk Institute scientists discovered that dopamine regulates anxious worm behavior in the presence of nipping predators. The findings illuminate how this dopamine-regulated brain pathway may be related to anxiety and could provide insight into human conditions like PTSD.

SourceSalk Institute·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023

Bench-to-field study identifies pesticides that could influence Parkinson's disease

A recent study has identified 53 pesticides linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, with exposure to multiple chemicals combined being more toxic than any single pesticide. The researchers also found that specific pesticides can directly harm dopamine neurons, a key finding for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023

Whether physical exertion feels ‘easy’ or ‘hard’ may be due to dopamine levels, study suggests

Researchers found that dopamine availability in the brain affects people's self-assessment of physical effort and willingness to undertake future exertions. The study, which involved Parkinson's disease patients, suggests that dopamine level is a critical factor in helping people accurately assess how much effort a physical task requires.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·Journalnpj Parkinson s Disease·DateApr 12, 2023

Sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for the detection of dopamine by using AuPd@Fe2O3 nanoparticles as catalyst

Researchers developed a sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor using AuPd@Fe2O3 nanoparticles to detect dopamine. The sensor shows high sensitivity and anti-interference capabilities, making it suitable for detecting dopamine in pharmaceuticals and biological samples.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Sensor and Energy Materials·DateMar 5, 2023

The secrets of polydopamine coatings revealed

Researchers at the University of Groningen have discovered the exact structure of polydopamine coatings, which could lead to new applications in surface adhesion and neurodegenerative disease treatment. The study found that these coatings form through auto-oxidation, crosslinking and isomerization processes.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Scientists report differences in dopamine signals in patients with history of alcohol use disorder

A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine has demonstrated altered dopamine signals in the brain's striatum region related to counterfactual information and relief. Dopamine levels were lower in participants with a history of alcohol use disorder, suggesting impaired decision-making processes.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2023

The science of supermoms

Researchers found that dopamine-releasing neurons in the ventral tegmental area of the brain drive maternal instincts through reinforcement learning. This process creates an expectation of future rewards, influencing mothers to pick up their crying children again.

How do tired animals stay awake?

Researchers studying fruit flies found that brain neurons adapt to help the flies stay awake despite tiredness in dangerous situations, and fall asleep after an intense day. Time-restricted feeding also improved sleep quality in the flies, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for humans.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022

Unraveling the reward behavior: mechanisms underlying the dopamine signaling pathway

A team of researchers identified a protein kinase substrate downstream of the dopamine signaling pathway regulating brain reward behavior. The study found that phosphorylation of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 2 (KCNQ2) decreases its channel activity, increasing neuronal excitability and promoting reward behavior.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Rare human gene variant in ADHD, autism exposes fundamental sex differences

A new study reveals key differences in dopamine disposal machinery between male and female mice with a rare human genetic variant found in boys with ADHD or ASD. Females exhibit unique behavioral changes, such as increased anxiety and novelty recognition issues, while males display reduced social behavior and perseverative traits.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis articles highlight the potential of nanotechnology to detect clinically useful biomolecules

Recent studies in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis highlight innovative nanosensors for efficient biomolecular detection, including rutin, paracetamol, and hypochlorite. These advancements enable high sensitivity and reliability in clinical samples, paving the way for improved patient care.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

WVU researcher studies the effects of online ‘sharenting’ and the risks facing kids

A West Virginia University researcher highlights the risks of sharing children's information on social media, including consent and privacy issues, as well as increased vulnerability to online predators. The study suggests that parents should be aware of these risks and take steps to protect their children's digital footprint.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateAug 18, 2022

Low addiction risk with medical use of ketamine

A recent study from the University of Geneva suggests that ketamine's therapeutic use may be safe due to its limited impact on dopamine levels and neuronal communication. The research found that ketamine triggers a short increase in dopamine, but also inhibits a specific receptor that prevents addiction progression.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateAug 4, 2022

Understanding learning by inference

A study from the University of California, Davis, shows how humans use cognitive maps to infer indirect outcomes, allowing for accelerated learning and faster decision-making. The researchers found activity linked to inferential learning in the prefrontal cortex and midbrain, implicating dopamine in updating beliefs through inference.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Novel sensors enable precise measurement of dopamine

Researchers have developed novel sensors that can precisely measure dopamine levels in nerve cells, providing new insights into the mechanisms of dopamine release. The sensors use modified carbon nanotubes to visualise individual dopamine release events along neuronal structures.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022