The function of the lateral habenula, one of the smallest brain regions and evolution-wise considered one of the oldest, has been somewhat of a mystery to science, although there is evidence that it is involved in depression and avoidance behavior. Now, a new Canadian study of rats suggests it plays an important role in making cost-benefit decisions.Researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) write about their findings in a recent online issue of Nature Neuroscience.

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