New York: Stimulation of a certain population of dopamine-containing neurons within the brain can alter the human learning process, claim two Indian-origin scientists, paving the way for rehabilitation after injury or addictive behaviours.
"Stimulating dopamine-containing neurons in a deep brain structure known as the substantia nigra can modify human learning," said neuroscience student Ashwin Ramayya from University of Pennsylvania and Amrit Misra from California-based Drexel University.
They suggest that the stimulation may have altered learning by biasing individuals to repeat physical actions that resulted in reward.
"Stimulating the substantia nigra as participants received a reward led them to repeat the action that preceded the reward, suggesting that this brain region plays an important role in modulating action-based associative learning," explained co-senior author Michael Kahana, a professor of psychology in Penn's school of arts and sciences.
During the study, 11 participants went deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment for Parkinson's disease.
During an awake portion of the procedure, participants played a computer game where they chose between pairs of objects that carried different reward rates (like choosing between rigged slot machines in a casino).
The objects were displayed on a computer screen and participants made selections by pressing buttons on hand-held controllers.
When stimulation was provided in the substantia nigra following reward, participants tended to repeat the button press that resulted in a reward.
"This is the first study to demonstrate in humans that electrical stimulation near these neurons can modify the learning process," said Gordon Baltuch, a professor of neurosurgery at University of Pennsylvania.
The report was published in the Journal of Neuroscience.
Comments
| Quick linksNews
National
International
Regional
Politics
Education & Career
Business
Science & Technology
Health
Views & Analysis
The Funny Side
© 2012 Awaz Multimedia & Publications. All rights reserved.
Hyderabad firing victims buried amid tight securityLocal leaders allege security forces used modern weapons, fired with intention to kill; demand high level enquiry
Even as the local police claimed the stituation to be calm and under control, a pall of gloom prevailed in the riot affected areas of the Old City which witnessed violent clashes between Muslims .... More
Also Read: Hyderabad riot: Death toll three, indefinite curfew imposed in affected areas
Insufficient Muslim MPs, MLAs main reason for backwardnessA host of major recommendations whose implementation would make the real difference still remain confined to the portals of these two landmark reports of recent Indian history. Though the 2014 parliamentary election manifestos of the Congress ..... More
Also Read: Minority welfare: UPA government faulted on poor implementation
This is a very significant development because the leaders of the 11 parties have indicated that individual parties can go in for seat arrangements in their respective states. Right now they together have 92 seats in the current Lok Sabha. .... More
In a letter dashed to Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde Thursday a local NGO asserted that Reliance Industries Chief Mukesh Ambani had grabbed Waqf land by fraudulent means and urged the minister to initiate a high-level enquiry by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Ambani and others involved in the case.. ... More
Also Read: Shame on Ambani who occupied land of orphans: Asaduddin