How does the brain link memory to motivation? A new study reveals that dorsal and ventral hippocampal pathways converge on the same neurons to drive reward-seeking behavior.

In today's fast-paced world, the realms of fitness and gaming have captured the imaginations and routines of millions. The psychological aspects that underlie these two seemingly disparate activities ...

We have long been told a simple story about reward: Dopamine is the "wanting" molecule that drives us toward goals, and opioids are the "liking" molecules that provide the hit of pleasure once we get ...

According to data collected by the Program for International Student Assessment, or PISA, American students continue to slide down the international rankings, failing to break the top 20 ...

Healthy milestones offer a moment to celebrate victories, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement, such as rewarding yourself with a treat, plays an important role in maintaining motivation and ...

Games use random rewards to keep players interested and excited. Getting a prize at unexpected times, like from loot boxes or daily login bonuses, often makes people want to keep playing. Game ...

A new study is challenging one of neuroscience’s most enduring ideas: that the brain’s reward system exists to make us feel good. Instead, researchers argue that it is built to optimize energy.