New research with mice has provided some fascinating insight into how addictive drugs hijack reward signals and influence neural processes associated with learning and memory. The research, published by Cell Press in the September 10th issue of the journal Neuron, helps to explain why and how drug-associated memories, such as the place of drug use, drive and perpetuate the addiction.

Thanks to the generosity of Verizon's customers who participated in the company's Check Into Literacy program, the Verizon Foundation seeks to award $341,000 to nonprofit organizations in Maryland that support literacy and learning activities for children, adolescents and adults.