"Serotonin's Role in Shaping Behavior and Motivation"

Researchers at OIST and Keio University have discovered that stimulating the brain's dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), the main source of serotonin, activates areas responsible for behavior and motivation in awake mice. Using opto-functional MRI, they observed that DRN serotonin activation stimulates the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia, providing insights into serotonin's role in mood regulation and cognitive functions. This study could advance understanding of mood disorders and behavioral adaptations.