Brain circuitry for positive vs. negative memories discovered in mice

29 April 2015

Neuroscientists have discovered brain circuitry for encoding positive and negative learned associations in mice. After finding that two circuits showed opposite activity following fear and reward learning, the researchers proved that this divergent activity causes either avoidance or reward-driven behaviors. They used cutting-edge optical-genetic tools to pinpoint these mechanisms critical to survival, which are also implicated in mental illness.
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/CO3SFdBypvQ/150429132918.htm

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