Dopamine News and Research

Latest Dopamine News and Research

Standardized brain cell atlas to accelerate Parkinson's and Alzheimer's research

Researchers now have a powerful new way to understand the types of brain cells that are affected in neurodegenerative diseases and to uncover connections between conditions such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other forms of dementia.

17 Jul 2025

FAU neuroscientist receives NIH grant to study amphetamine effects on the brain

Lucia Carvelli, Ph.D., associate professor of neuroscience at Florida Atlantic University's Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College and a member of the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, has received a $571,675 grant from the National Institutes of Health to advance critical research into how amphetamines affect brain function.

15 Jul 2025

Study validates stem cell models for neurological diseases

In a comprehensive Genomic Press perspective (peer-reviewed review) article, an international team of neuroscientists has outlined crucial validity standards that could transform how researchers use stem cell technology to study devastating brain disorders.

15 Jul 2025

Visual food cues may lead to overeating even without hunger

Watching others eat tasty foods may lead to overeating, even in the absence of hunger, according to a new mouse study being presented Monday at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, Calif.

14 Jul 2025

Ultra-processed foods threaten brain health in kids and teens, review warns

Children, adolescents, and unborn babies exposed to high levels of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) face increased risks of impaired brain development, cognitive deficits, and long-term mental health challenges. The review underscores how UPF-driven changes in reward pathways, nutrient deficits, inflammation, and the gut–brain axis can have lasting impacts across generations.

13 Jul 2025

Study reveals dopamine sends precise signals rather than broad brainwide messages

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has upended decades of neuroscience dogma, revealing that dopamine, a neurotransmitter critical for movement, motivation, learning and mood, communicates in the brain with extraordinary precision, not broad diffusion as previously believed.

12 Jul 2025

How does olive oil affect gut health?

Could olive oil’s hidden compounds be the key to a healthier gut? New research uncovers how olive-derived bioactives transform our microbiome and may unlock future therapies for digestive and metabolic health.

9 Jul 2025

Targeting a key enzyme could reverse early Parkinson's effects

Putting the brakes on an enzyme might rescue neurons that are dying due to a type of Parkinson's disease that's caused by a single genetic mutation, according to a new Stanford Medicine-led study conducted in mice.

2 Jul 2025

Smart pen detects early signs of Parkinson’s through handwriting

Every year, tens of thousands of people with signs of Parkinson's disease go unnoticed until the incurable neurodegenerative condition has already progressed.

30 Jun 2025

Brain activity reveals lingering sensitivity to negative cues after depression recovery

Researchers have found that even after recovery, individuals who previously experienced depression may retain a heightened sensitivity to negative cues and face challenges in regulating responses to potential punishment.

27 Jun 2025

Do spicy foods help or hurt your gut health?

Capsaicin, the spicy compound in chili peppers, not only influences inflammation, metabolism, and cancer risk but also shapes the gut microbiome in complex, context-dependent ways. This comprehensive review highlights both the therapeutic promise and potential risks of capsaicin, calling for deeper research into its microbiome-mediated effects.

26 Jun 2025

Can saffron treat Alzheimer’s and depression?

Saffron shows promise as a natural treatment for depression and cognitive decline, performing as well as standard drugs in clinical trials. However, more rigorous studies are needed before saffron can be recommended in mainstream psychiatric and dementia care.

26 Jun 2025

Do omega-3 supplements boost athletic performance?

Combining omega-3 supplementation with resistance training significantly improved lipid profiles, inflammation markers, antioxidant capacity, and neuromuscular performance in healthy men. While group × time effects weren’t significant, within-group gains suggest real physiological benefits.

25 Jun 2025

Unhealthy teen diets reshape the brain and drive lifelong eating habits, study finds

Adolescent diets high in fat and sugar disrupt the development of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, impacting cognition, memory, and impulse control. These brain changes can promote unhealthy eating behaviors and obesity risk that persist into adulthood.

24 Jun 2025

Men lose more weight than women on the keto diet, new study reveals why

Men lose more weight than women on a ketogenic diet, according to a comprehensive review in Frontiers in Nutrition. Sex differences in hormones, metabolism, and fat distribution influence the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet for obesity.

22 Jun 2025

Can a Japanese diet help with depression? Large study says yes

A large cross-sectional study of 12,499 Japanese workers found that higher adherence to traditional or modified Japanese diets was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms. The findings suggest that culturally rooted dietary patterns may support mental well-being, especially among educated adults.

18 Jun 2025