Dopamine News and Research

Latest Dopamine News and Research

How your gut microbiome shapes anxiety

Researchers examine the role of the gut microbiome in the development of anxiety disorders.

12 Mar 2025

Hormones may drive the differences in opioid misuse between men and women

The opioid epidemic has claimed more than half a million lives in the U.S. since 1999, about three-quarters of them men, according to the National Institutes of Health.

10 Mar 2025

New stem cell-based vascular grafts could revolutionize cardiac surgery

Scientists at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC) and the Morgridge Institute for Research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have been at the forefront of stem cell research and regenerative biology since James Thomson isolated the first human embryonic stem cell in 1998.

10 Mar 2025

Phase 1 trial examines safety and feasibility of stem cell treatment for Parkinson's

A recently launched Phase 1 clinical trial at Mass General Brigham is examining the safety and feasibility of a groundbreaking treatment approach for Parkinson's disease in which a patient's stem cells are reprogrammed to replace dopamine cells in the brain damaged by the disease.

6 Mar 2025

Understanding the role of astrocytic G protein-coupled receptors in substance-use disorders

A recent study published in Engineering delves into the complex mechanisms of drug addiction, highlighting the crucial role of astrocytic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).

5 Mar 2025

Exploring the role of subventricular zone in neural regeneration, neurodegenerative diseases

This recently published exploration into the subventricular zone (SVZ) highlights its critical role in neural regeneration, neurodegenerative diseases, and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

5 Mar 2025

Chronic cocaine use increases impulsivity

Findings indicate chronic cocaine use alters brain circuits, increasing impulsivity in low-impulsive rats, contradicting previous assumptions about addiction.

5 Mar 2025

Long-term cocaine use increases impulsivity in rats

Researchers have widely accepted that impulsivity increases the risk of drug addiction, but the evidence to support this belief is mixed.

3 Mar 2025

The brain-gut microbiota axis: Impact on mental health & potential treatment avenues

To be decided by the editor

From Atlantia Clinical Trials 28 Feb 2025

New study identifies brain circuit key to reducing cocaine-seeking behavior

Imagine a future where the grip of cocaine use disorder can be loosened, where cravings fade, and the risk of relapse diminishes.

27 Feb 2025

FGF21 hormone drives protein-specific appetite and reward in the brain

When faced with multiple food options and ultimately choosing one, the factors of that decision-making process may be more physiological than previously assumed.

25 Feb 2025

Excessive screen time linked to manic symptoms in teens

Researchers examine the association between excessive screen time and manic symptoms in early adolescence.

25 Feb 2025

New research shows why limits on working memory exist

Working memory is what allows humans to juggle different pieces of information in short-term scenarios, like making a mental grocery list and then going shopping or remembering and then dialing a phone number.

24 Feb 2025

Can chili peppers improve ADHD symptoms? Scientists explore their gut-brain connection

Chili peppers may influence ADHD symptoms by modulating the gut microbiome, with capsaicin, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids showing potential effects on neurotransmitters and inflammation. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy.

20 Feb 2025

Mice study offers insight into how the brain balances risk and reward

Every day, our brain makes thousands of decisions, big and small. Any of these decisions - from the least consequential such as picking a restaurant to the more important such as pursuing a different career or moving to a new city - may result in better or worse outcomes.

19 Feb 2025

Cholesterol metabolite linked to Parkinson's disease development in mice

Researchers led by Zhentao Zhang at Wuhan University, China have discovered a cholesterol metabolite that plays a critical role in the development of Parkinson's disease in mice.

18 Feb 2025

New review maps the impact of reproductive hormones on neurological health

A comprehensive review published today in Brain Medicine by leading neuroendocrinologist Professor Hyman M. Schipper from McGill University's Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery maps out the extensive influence of reproductive hormones on neurological health and disease.

18 Feb 2025

Diabetes drugs may boost brain health but experts warn of risks

Researchers reviewed 374 studies to explore how GLP-1RAs, originally for diabetes, may impact brain health, finding potential benefits for dementia and addiction but inconsistent results for mood disorders.

16 Feb 2025

New research advances understanding of Parkinson's disease stages

From a study that analyzed brain images of more than 2,500 people with Parkinson's disease in 20 different countries, scientists were able to identify patterns of neurodegeneration and create metrics for each of the five clinical stages of the disease.

12 Feb 2025

Scientists discover brain mechanism behind nicotine withdrawal

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 22% of the global population smokes, with more than 9 million smoking-related deaths reported annually.

12 Feb 2025