"Neuromodulation and the balance between goal-directed and reactive behavior"

Melissa R. Warden, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Miriam M. Salpeter Fellow, Cornell University Striking an adaptive balance between persistently pursuing goals and flexibly responding to important events is essential for survival. Here, we will discuss our recent research on the role of neuromodulation in regulating the balance between goal-directed and reactive behaviors using optical methods in mice. We will present evidence that phasic bursts in serotonin neurons promote adaptive behavioral reactions to important environmental/internal events, and will discuss new data revealing that ramping activity in dopamine neurons depends on actively monitoring the distance to goals.