Articles tagged with Dopamine
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A recent study proposes that sequestered prion protein may be involved in depression by modulating monoaminergic systems and causing desensitization of dopamine receptors. The research found increased levels of serotonin receptors and dopamine in mice lacking normal prions, leading to depressive-like behavior.
High-fat feeding, especially saturated fats, can cause impairments in critical motivation brain pathways, according to a new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology. The research found that rats fed with palm oil had blunted dopamine function, leading the brain to compensate by heightening reward-seeking behavior.
A new study integrates neuroscience and psychology to reveal how sleep suppresses the activity of certain nerve cells that promote forgetting, ensuring at least some memories last. Sleep facilitates memory retention by blocking dopamine neuron-mediated forgetting, leading to more stable memories.
Dopamine-producing neurons play a crucial role in signal transmission, influencing motor control, reward behaviour, motivation, and impulse control. The discovery reveals that glutamate facilitates rapid signal transmission, enabling the brain to respond quickly to stimuli.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that dopamine signals the value of delayed rewards, revealing a sophisticated role in guiding decision-making behavior. The research used rodent models to examine the neurotransmitter's dynamic tracking of specific elements of value-based decision making.
The study reveals how addictive drugs interfere with dopamine signaling, leading to addiction. New treatments may be developed to block interference with dopamine transporters.
A new study suggests that dopamine contributes to chronic pain states by targeting A11 neurons. Removing these neurons can selectively diminish chronic pain in mice. The findings offer potential clues for developing new treatments for chronic pain.
Researchers have reconciled three unrelated hypotheses about schizophrenia's causes by studying mice with a genetic deletion. The findings suggest that faulty neural connections, excess dopamine, and brain pruning are linked to the disease. The study aims to develop treatment strategies targeting these underlying causes.
A new approach has reversed Parkinson's-like symptoms in rats by delivering dopamine via biodegradable nanoparticles that crossed the blood-brain barrier without side effects. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment for human patients.
Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute identified IRBIT as a key player in regulating dopamine levels in the brain. The absence of IRBIT leads to hyperactivity and abnormal social behavior in mice, highlighting its role in maintaining balance.
Researchers found that a neural circuit evaluates environmental variability to prompt animals to explore new locations. The circuit uses information from the animal's senses to determine predictability, triggering dopamine release and increased risk-taking behavior. This discovery could lead to better therapies for neurodegenerative an...
Researchers at the Buck Institute have confirmed that Parkinson's disease mutations alter mitochondrial function in human cells for the first time. The study provides a tool for testing potential therapeutics and promises to address concerns about genetic differences between patients.
Researchers detected antibodies to dopamine D2 receptor and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor among children experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The finding suggests a distinct subgroup where autoimmunity plays a role in their illness, paving the way for more specific diagnosis and effective interventions.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation is supporting research on a novel therapy for Parkinson's disease by Dr Bryce Vissel and Sandy Stayte at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. The prototype drug targets kainate receptors to slow disease progression.
A study found that listening to classical music enhances gene activity related to learning, memory, and synaptic function, while down-regulating genes associated with neurodegeneration. Musically experienced participants showed the most significant effects, suggesting familiarity plays a key role in music-induced changes.
Researchers at IUPUI are conducting a study on how alcohol affects the brain's reward system, using a unique blend of mathematical modeling and experimental neuroscience. The goal is to gain a better understanding of how alcohol hijacks dopamine release, a key factor in addiction.
New research confirms GDNF is not necessary for maintaining dopamine neurons, contradicting previous findings. The absence of GDNF in mice did not cause significant damage to the midbrain dopamine system or trigger motor disorders.
A recent clinical study has shown that applying a growth factor to the brain may help preserve dopaminergic cells and fibers, increasing dopamine signaling in patients. The study suggests that future therapies could utilize the brain's own protective mechanisms to limit neuronal cell death and restore natural dopamine production.
Researchers found altered patterns and frequencies of electrical activity in dopamine midbrain neurons critical for emotional and cognitive processing. These findings suggest that impaired dopamine neuronal activity contributes to schizophrenia's negative symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and impaired motivation.
Researchers from the University of Leicester used electrophysiology to capture electrical signals from dopamine neurons in the forebrain, revealing that these cells are active when fish swim. The study suggests that dopamine plays a key role in regulating excitability of spinal networks and may contribute to motor side effects of dopam...
A new study has discovered genetic variations in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that disrupt dopamine signaling, leading to behavioral changes. The findings provide a potential target for developing more effective treatments for ASD.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that patients with Parkinson's disease experience improved motor skills when receiving an 'expensive' drug, even if it's just a placebo. The study suggests that harnessing the placebo response could enhance treatment benefits and reduce dosage needs.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have gained new insight into the dopamine transporter mechanism, which could lead to the development of a cocaine antidote. The discovery highlights an interaction between amino acids that controls access for dopamine to its binding site in the protein.
A new study suggests that dopamine can prevent the growth of blood vessels in tumors without causing serious side effects, unlike existing anti-angiogenic drugs. Dopamine also prevents low neutrophil counts induced by chemotherapy, making it a potential alternative for gastrointestinal cancer treatment.
Researchers created a computer model to understand how animals learn from feedback, revealing how brain signals work together to choose actions. The study provides new insights into motor disorders like Parkinson's Disease and abnormal learning in conditions such as addiction.
A study by University of Houston researchers suggests that activating intrinsic antioxidant pathways, such as Nrf2, could protect the kidney dopamine system and maintain normal blood pressure. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding and treating hypertension and other diseases related to oxidative stress.
Researchers at IRCM have discovered a mechanism that regulates dopamine levels in the brain, which could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease. The Rgs6 gene plays a crucial role in preventing excessive dopaminergic signalling and cellular stress.
Female Drosophila sechellia flies produce fewer eggs than other fruit flies due to a genetic mutation that inhibits dopamine production, but feeding morinda fruits or chemicals from these fruits increases fertility. Dopamine precursor L-DOPA is present in morinda fruits and compensates for the genetic deficiency.
Researchers found no evidence of asymptomatic myocardial dysfunction or deterioration of systolic function in patients taking pramipexole and ropinirole. This suggests that non-ergot derived dopamine agonists may be safe for the heart, contradicting previous concerns about an increased risk of heart failure.
A transgenic mouse with a rare human genetic variation in the dopamine transporter protein may lead to improvements in ADHD, autism and bipolar disorder diagnosis and treatment. The mice exhibit unusual "darting behavior," which could be related to impulsivity and abnormal dopamine release.
A new study at Brown University reveals that conflict in learning tasks biases the brain to reduce the influence of reward and increase the influence of aversion to punishment. The researchers used EEG scans, genetic tests, and manipulation with a dopamine-related drug to gather evidence for this link. They found that people who learn ...
Researchers have developed CNiFERs cells to track dopamine signaling, providing a real-time readout of neurochemical activity associated with learning, memory and reward. The study reveals that dopamine release is linked to classical conditioning and anticipatory behavior.
A study found associations between dopamine receptor agonist drugs and serious impulse control disorders, including pathological gambling and hypersexuality. The medications were prescribed for Parkinson disease and restless leg syndrome, but the reports showed mostly male patients, median age of 55, primarily in the US.
Researchers found that curiosity helps learn about a topic and memorize unrelated information, with increased activity in brain regions involved in reward and memory. Curiosity also enhances learning in the classroom and workplace.
Research from University of British Columbia suggests dopamine plays a key role in guiding risky decisions. The study found that altering dopamine signals can impact decision-making, leading to more or less conservative choices.
A study by the NIH found that obese individuals have greater dopamine activity in the habit-forming region of the brain, making them more drawn to overeat in response to food triggers. This differences could contribute to the development of effective weight-loss programs.
A new Penn Medicine study found that dopamine replacement therapy is associated with an increase in impulse control disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness in newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease patients. In contrast, fatigue improved with dopamine therapy, but depression remained undertreated.
Researchers found that dolphins and beluga whales exhibit a delay between reward anticipation and squealing, suggesting they experience pleasure. This behavior is comparable to the timing of dopamine release in humans.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism to develop drugs that can control schizophrenia symptoms without causing common anti-psychotic side effects. By targeting the dopamine D2 receptor, the 'dimmer switch' approach aims to subtly dial down dopamine's effect, potentially treating the disease and avoiding side-effects.
Research found that lower dopamine transporter binding correlates with stronger visual attention bias for food cues, detecting food pictures more quickly among neutral images. Higher dopamine activity was linked to increased food intake over a period of 7 days.
Stimulating the ventral tegmental area with mild electric currents induced dopamine release and restored conscious behaviors in anesthetized rats. The study suggests that dopamine release from this region may play a role in emergence from general anesthesia.
Researchers discovered a link between credit assignment and choice bias, finding that people value rewards they choose more than equivalent rewards not chosen. The study used computational modeling and behavioral experiments to test the hypothesis, and found evidence supporting the proposed biological mechanism.
Recent research demonstrates a critical link between dopamine signaling and dopamine transporter function in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Michelle Sahai's simulations using TACC's Stampede supercomputer have contributed to the discovery of mutations in the dopamine transporter linked to Parkinsonism and ADHD.
Researchers discovered that faulty dopamine signaling can alter the activity of over 2,000 genes in the brain's prefrontal cortex, potentially leading to schizophrenia and other complex neuropsychiatric disorders. The study suggests a potential therapeutic approach using dopamine activators to restore normal signaling.
Researchers found that Zhichan decoction increased dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels up to 10-fold after neural stem cell transplantation, promoting the differentiation of dopaminergic neurons. This study suggests a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease using traditional Chinese medicine.
A new Tel Aviv University study confirms that Parkinson's sufferers exhibit greater creative energy than healthy individuals. Researchers found that Parkinson's patients offered more original answers and thoughtful interpretations during testing.
Researchers found that ground cinnamon can reverse biomechanical changes in mice with Parkinson's disease by protecting neurons and normalizing neurotransmitter levels. Cinnamon is metabolized into sodium benzoate, an FDA-approved drug used to treat hepatic metabolic defects.
A study has identified a genetic mutation that may cause parkinsonism in young people, particularly those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The mutation affects the brain's transport of dopamine, leading to movement disorders and mental health issues.
A study by neuroscientists at Brigham Young University found that addiction starts with an overcorrection in the brain, triggering oxidative stress and a protein called BDNF. This process can lead to withdrawal symptoms like pain and anxiety.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals at high risk for addiction share similar neurobiological signatures with addicted individuals. The research suggests a common brain mechanism that promotes the use of addictive substances in vulnerable people and those with long-standing habitual substance use.
Researchers discovered that increased VMAT2 levels led to enhanced dopamine neurotransmission and protection from a neurotoxin. The study found improved outcomes on anxiety, depressive behaviors, movement, and protection from MPTP, a chemical causing Parkinson's disease-related damage.
Researchers found that genetic variants in dopamine-regulating genes influence strategic thinking, with three genes linked to belief learning and two genes linked to trial-and-error reinforcement learning. The study's findings have implications for understanding diseases like schizophrenia and social interaction disorders.
Scientists found a strong association between REM sleep disturbance and the development of progressive brain diseases like Parkinson's and dementia. Longitudinal imaging data showed decreased dopamine transporter density in patients with REM sleep disorder, which marked the first hints of Parkinson's disease.
Transplanted dopamine neurons from fetal tissue remain healthy for at least 14 years after transplantation, according to a recent study. The findings suggest that stem cells can be a viable source for transplant-ready dopamine neurons, providing further rationale for pursuing this therapeutic approach.
Researchers at McLean Hospital have found that transplanted fetal dopamine cells can remain healthy and functional for up to 14 years in patients with Parkinson's disease. The discovery could lead to new therapies using stem cells grown in labs, reducing symptoms and the need for dopamine replacement drugs.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment that targets the versatile Sigma-1 receptor, improving motor function and reducing inflammation in mice with Parkinson's-like conditions. The results suggest that early activation of this protein could protect brain cells against dopamine loss and associated neural damage.
A study from North Carolina State University found that increases in dopamine levels trigger dramatic physical changes in Indian jumping ant workers, transforming them into warrior queens with elevated life expectancy. This discovery has implications for understanding social insect behavior and epigenetics.
Researchers at MIT have developed a technique that allows them to track neural communication in the brain over time, offering a new window on brain function. The technique uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with a specialized molecular sensor to monitor dopamine levels in specific regions of the brain.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that deep brain stimulation increases striatal dopamine release in patients with OCD, potentially aiding their control over compulsive behaviors. The treatment's effectiveness may relate to its ability to compensate for underlying dopamine dysfunction.
Researchers found that activating neurons instead of dampening them opens a new avenue to mimic and promote natural resilience. The study suggests a conceptually novel therapeutic strategy for treating depression.