A recent study reveals the intricate dance of dopamine and serotonin in the human brain, shedding light on their crucial role in social decision-making. The research uncovers a neurochemical mechanism that explains why people are more likely to accept offers from computers while rejecting identical offers from human players.
The Role of Dopamine and Serotonin in Social Decision-Making
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Dopamine and serotonin, two important neurotransmitters in the human brain, play a crucial role in social decision-making. Understanding their intricate dance can provide valuable insights into human behavior.
( Credit to: Scitechdaily )
Research conducted on Parkinson's disease patients undergoing brain surgery has shed light on the neurochemical mechanism behind social decision-making. The study focused on the substantia nigra region of the brain, which is associated with motor control and reward processing.
By studying the dynamics of dopamine and serotonin, researchers have discovered why people are more likely to accept offers from computers while rejecting identical offers from human players. This phenomenon was observed in a game called the ultimatum game, where participants accept or reject varying splits of money from other players.
The Interplay of Dopamine and Serotonin in Social Decision-Making
( Credit to: Scitechdaily )
Dopamine and serotonin interact in complex ways during social decision-making. Dopamine acts as a continuous tracking system, monitoring whether an offer is better or worse than the previous one. On the other hand, serotonin evaluates the specific value of the current offer on a case-by-case basis. Together, these neurotransmitters assess the overall value of social interactions.
To study the dynamics of dopamine and serotonin, researchers used a unique method to measure neurotransmitters in real-time in the human brain. Carbon-fiber electrodes were implanted in Parkinson's disease patients undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery, allowing the collection of data on dopamine and serotonin levels.
Understanding the interplay of dopamine and serotonin has implications for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and psychiatric conditions. In Parkinson's disease, there is a loss of dopamine-producing neurons, which affects the striatum, a region heavily influenced by dopamine. By gaining insights into the dynamics of these neurotransmitters, researchers hope to develop more effective treatments.
The Significance of Dopamine and Serotonin in Neuroscience
Unraveling the neurochemical mechanisms underlying social behavior has broader implications for the field of neuroscience. Advanced techniques to measure neurotransmitters in the human brain are providing new insights into the complexities of the brain and mind.
By studying dopamine and serotonin, researchers are paving the way for improved treatments for a wide range of brain disorders, including psychiatric conditions. This knowledge can lead to a deeper understanding of what makes us human and how to address neurological and psychological challenges.