Harvard researchers have identified neural circuits in the ventral striatum of mice that separately process better-than-expected and worse-than-expected outcomes. This discovery suggests the brain considers a full spectrum of potential rewards, not just averages, during decision-making. The research, which uses machine-learning concepts, revealed that silencing "optimistic" neurons made mice anticipate lesser rewards, while silencing "pessimistic" neurons made them expect better rewards. These findings offer a possible framework for understanding how humans make reward-based decisions and assess risk. If replicated in humans, it could explain impaired risk assessment in conditions like depression and addiction. The study highlights the complex ways in which the brain evaluates potential outcomes to inform choices.

https://neurosciencenews.com/risk-reward-decisions-neuroscience-28437/

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