Neuroscience

Binge eating linked to habit circuitry in the brain

Habits are like shortcuts for our brains. Once we form a habit—say, putting on a seat belt whenever we get into a car—the behavior becomes almost automatic in the right context. But habit formation isn't always a boon. ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

No magic number for time it takes to form habits, finds new study

Putting on your workout clothes and getting to the gym can feel like a slog at first. Eventually, you might get in the habit of going to the gym and readily pop over to your Zumba class or for a run on the treadmill. A new ...

Medical research

Investigating the role of dopamine circuits in habit formation

Scientists have uncovered how dopamine connects subregions of the striatum essential for habit formation, according to a Northwestern Medicine study published in Cell Reports, findings that may change the overall understanding ...

Neuroscience

Nicotine alters neurotransmission in habit-forming brain region

A study of rat brain slices published in JNeurosci demonstrates how nicotine interacts with cells that regulate the output of a brain region involved in habit formation. The research could inform efforts to help people quit ...

Neuroscience

One powerful cell makes or breaks your habits

Some habits are helpful, such as automatically washing your hands before a meal or driving the same route to work every day. They accomplish an important task while freeing up valuable brain space.

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