Scientists discover decision-making brain structure

There is increasing evidence that one of the smallest parts of our brain, the lateral habenula, could be in charge of the largest decisions that we make. Canadian scientists, through the use of rats and deep brain stimulation, are beginning to reveal more about this fascinating and potentially misunderstood portion of our brain. In their study, rats were tasked with making a decision between choosing a short task which provided them with a consistent but small reward, or one that was more arduous, but potentially supplied them with a larger reward. Utilizing deep brain stimulation (Electrodes controlled by a pacemaker) the scientists were able to disable the lateral habenula. Post stimulation, the rats were expected to be more drawn to the larger reward, as the brain region was initially linked to depression and the accompanying avoidance behaviors. However, once the stimulation occurred, the rats no longer showed a preference between the two options and the decision essentially became 50/50. It was almost as if the rats lost all decision making capabilities.

Check of the CBS news article here: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/scientists-discover-decision-making-brain-structure/