Researchers reveal how brain chemicals respond to emotional language

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered how neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine respond to emotional words in the brain. This study, published in *Cell Reports*, reveals distinct patterns of neurotransmitter activity linked to emotional tone and specific brain regions. The thalamus, previously not associated with language processing, showed significant changes in neurotransmitter release when exposed to emotional words. This finding suggests a broader role for the thalamus in emotional processing. Validation in rodent models confirmed these results, indicating that the mechanisms observed in humans may also apply to other species. This research enhances understanding of how emotional content in language influences human cognition and decision-making.