Story perspectives

New Brain Circuit Links Procrastination to Stress Response

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ken-ichi Amemori of Kyoto University identifies a brain circuit linking the ventral striatum and ventral pallidum to procrastination.
In macaques performing tasks with varying rewards, the animals showed decreased motivation when faced with an unpleasant stimulus.
The findings indicate this circuit inhibits action in stressful situations and may relate to depression.
Amemori warns that altering this mechanism could risk burnout, highlighting its protective role.

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Story summary

Ken-ichi Amemori of Kyoto University identifies a brain circuit linking the ventral striatum and ventral pallidum to procrastination.
In macaques performing tasks with varying rewards, the animals showed decreased motivation when faced with an unpleasant stimulus.
The findings indicate this circuit inhibits action in stressful situations and may relate to depression.
Amemori warns that altering this mechanism could risk burnout, highlighting its protective role.