Uncovering the Brain's Learning Mechanism: Dopamine, Memory, and Ebb & Flow

Dopamine and acetylcholine, two hormones crucial for memory and learning, were found to maintain a dynamic balance in the brain, fostering an environment for continuous learning even without external rewards. The study challenges the traditional understanding that rewards trigger dopamine release for learning, revealing that dopamine and acetylcholine levels naturally oscillate in the brain, creating a conducive environment for ongoing learning. These findings could provide insights into neuropsychiatric conditions associated with dopamine imbalances, such as schizophrenia and depression.