In this Microbe TV episode “TWiN 40,” neuroscientists explore the dopamine system in the dorsal striatum of the basal ganglia, challenging traditional views of dopamine’s role in movement. Using motion sequencing, they reveal a consistent dopamine pattern during behavioral transitions in mice, highlighting its broader influence beyond motor functions.
The discussion touches on human interpretation, technological analysis, and decoding rodent behaviors. Dopamine emerges as a key player in encouraging exploration and reinforcing behavioral modules, suggesting its potential as a training tool. The episode also references studies redefining dopamine’s role in reward prediction, challenging established ideas about the ventral striatum’s involvement.
