Biochemical Romance
You are eating and sleeping less but your energy levels have increased and your attention in the lab is more focused. To which performance enhancing drug should you credit this improvement?
None if you are in love. These physiological responses correspond to the rise in dopamine, a neurotransmitter found in the brain. Using fMRIs (functional magnetic resonance images), researchers can observe the regions of the brain that respond to a specific visual cue, such as a photograph of the subject’s beloved. One of the main regions of the brain that responds to this particular visual stimuli is the ventral tegmental area, responsible for dopamine production.
Beating heart image courtesy of Wiki Commons
Though researchers have identified a number of chemicals involved including oxytocin, vasopressin and adrenaline, dopamine appears to be receiving a lot of the credit. Speaking of adrenaline, dopamine and credit, Valentine’s day is only 2 days away. If you are still in need of a gift for your dopamine boosting sweetheart, consider jewelry inspired by the neurotransmitter.
Not ready for jewelry? Show your Valentine his or her love is infectious with a “viral “ eCard.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Awesome! I’ll definitely think back to this the next time there’s a special someone in my life
Hi Sigma! Have been following you on fb pages here in the USA and am so pleased to see who you are, bravo! Well done!~ And thanks for that great tee. Last month I lost my beloved girl..my dog Riah of 12 years. To make long story short I have been dx with a rare disease and she was my hero that saw me through so much. Since her passing I have honored her and made sure with utmost respect and love that her memory will always be alive and well and to give back to her… a tad of what she brought to me in my life. I have found using this method, did not leave me sad and broken but instead I feel new life and much more energy…you are so correct. I love her so much. So amazing what the human mind can do and the human body follows. Much success to you in the future!~ Thanks for being here. Leslie Kay Charlotte, NC, USA