Comments on: Rats Compulsively Gamble for Same Reason Humans Do: Lack of Serotonin

By: mwl

mwl — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:24:37 +0000

Those were the days!

By: Pietr

Pietr — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:28:00 +0000

Why do they have to prove once again this obvious finding that has been known for decades. Dopamine is the reward neurotransmitter, serotonin is the inhibitor. Deficiencies in both or either contribute to inadequate impulse control.

The answer is simple. To control not only gambling, other obsessive/compulsive but also addictive disorders, increase CNS serotonin and dopamine by administering their precursors in a balanced fashion. See website http://sites.google.com/site/pietrhitzig/

Phitz96atgmail.com

By: Jules

Jules — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:53:43 +0000

@MWL: When science falls under the realm of religion again “pious creation scientists,” are more than welcome, but until we revert back to the Dark Ages, they can keep studying their dusty old scrolls.

By: mwl

mwl — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:05:54 +0000

The depravity of secular science has gone too far.
Science must be saved from immorality.
I propose all research proposals be reveiwed by
commitees of pious creation scientists to ensure
consistency with scriptural standards.

By: mwl

mwl — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 20:02:24 +0000

Corrupting rat’s morals! How low can you go?

By: Mike from The Biosphere, Now.

Mike from The Biosphere, Now. — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 04:36:07 +0000

@Jason: I don’t think that’s quite how it goes. @Romeo I agree. Reward is is simple concept, regardless of brain complexity. It is worth thinking about that, and also worth experimenting with those thoughts.

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:37:03 +0000

I wish I’d taken this up as a career.

“What would you like to research next?”

“Uh.. hm.. how about we get some rats addicted to gambling? We’ll need a big grant and lots of experimentation in Vegas.” /joke

“That sounds great! Here’s your check.”

“Wait I was..kidd..oh well.”

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:37:51 +0000

@Jumblepudding: While you’re deciding whether or not to split those 8’s (SPLIT ‘EM!) consider that the serotonin levels in the brain seemed to affect the compulsive nature of gambling. At least the way I read the story, I don’t think that this would be a “cure to gambling”…just a way to treat those who have a chemical predilection towards destructive gambling behaviour. As you put it, the complex and high minded (really? high minded? Casino War is high minded?) nature of gambling will always have a place in entertainment. Long live the pair o’ dice!

By: StarDuff

StarDuff — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:51:29 +0000

I have a tendency to believe this because the human body pretty much runs on chemicals emitted by the brain. The endocrine system is nothing short of amazing. These type of finding do not surprise me.

By: Romeo Vitelli

Romeo Vitelli — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:26:45 +0000

Actually, gambling pretty much works the same whether you’re a human or a rat. It all comes down to reinforcement schedules and the possibility of a payoff.

http://drvitelli.typepad.com/providentia/2009/02/playing-the-odds.html

By: Jumblepudding

Jumblepudding — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:27:51 +0000

I disagree. Human gambling is far more complex and high minded than the reward-seeking behavior of a rat chomping sugar pellets. Now excuse me, I need to get back to the tables.