According to recent neuroscience research, the brain constantly evaluates stimuli to determine whether they are positive or negative, influencing survival-related approach or avoidance behaviors. A new study using mice found that D1 and D2 neurons in the nucleus accumbens work together to process both rewarding and aversive experiences. Significantly, D2 neurons play a crucial role in updating learned associations, particularly in recognizing when a threat is no longer present. This discovery about D2 neuron function may provide valuable insights for understanding and potentially treating conditions like anxiety and PTSD, which are characterized by difficulty in releasing negative memories.

https://neurosciencenews.com/neuroscience-danger-reward-28513/