Japan-based scientists discover a hormone responsible for patience

The level of serotonin, also known as the hormone of joy and happiness, determines how patient a person is.

This was stated by scientists from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan. A study by neuroscientists has shown that this hormone regulates the ability to calmly wait for a reward, The Daily Mail reports.

Scientists conducted experiments that revealed that artificially induced serotonin secretion made rodents more patient while waiting for food.

As part of the experiment, rodents were trained to stick their muzzles into a hole. The subjects kept it there until they received food. Usually, the rodents were rewarded for their patience, but sometimes no food was given.

The researchers found that the release of a hormone in the dorsal nucleus accumbens of the animals' brains extended the time the mice were willing to wait if the chance of getting a reward was high but the time was uncertain.

Experts hope that their discovery will help develop more effective antidepressants that modulate serotonin levels..

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