Individual differences in the neuropsychopathology of addiction.

Drug addiction or substance-use disorder is a chronically relapsing disorder that progresses through binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect and preoccupation/anticipation stages. These stages represent diverse neurobiological mechanisms that are differentially involved in the transition from recreational to compulsive drug use and from positive to negative reinforcement. The progression from recreational to compulsive substance use is associated with downregulation of the brain reward systems and upregulation of the brain stress systems. Individual differences in the neurobiological systems that underlie the processing of reward, incentive salience, habits, stress, pain, and executive function may explain (i) the vulnerability to substance-use disorder; (ii) the diversity of emotional, motivational, and cognitive profiles of individuals with substance-use disorders; and (iii) heterogeneous responses to cognitive and pharmacological treatments. Characterization of the neuropsychological mechanisms that underlie individual differences in addiction-like behaviors is the key to understanding the mechanisms of addiction and development of personalized pharmacotherapy

Agassiz, Garman, Albatross, and the Collection of Deep-sea Fishes

The first of Alexander Agassiz’ voyages on the U.S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross in 1891 yielded significant scientific results. This paper reviews the background of the voyage, including the career path that led Agassiz to the back deck of the Albatross. We also give a brief account of the life and work of Samuel Garman. Garman wrote up the ichthyological material from this Albatross voyage in a magnificent book on deep-sea fishes published in 1899. This book was exceptional in its coverage, anatomical detail, and recognition of phylogenetically important morphology

Book review: wombs in labor: transnational commercial surrogacy in India by Amrita Pande

Wombs in Labor is an absorbing and meticulously researched work. Amrita Pande fruitfully scrutinises the minutiae of interactions among surrogates and the community of a clinic for their underlying meaning, writes Marion Koob

Book review: thrive: the power of evidence-based psychological therapies

Thrive explores the new effective solutions to the misery and injustice caused by mental illness. It describes how successful psychological treatments have been developed and explains what works best for whom. It also urges us to do all we can to prevent these problems in the first place, through better schools and a better society. Marion Koob reviews, writing that this is a crucial and necessary book, especially for those who know little about mental illness

#IWD2016 Book review: SPQR: a history of ancient Rome by Mary Beard

With SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome, the renowned Cambridge classicist Mary Beard presents a new history of ‘the Senate and People of Rome’, covering over 1,000 years and a diverse array of themes. Marion Koob applauds this superb book for its gripping narrative threads, its persuasive account of Rome’s contemporary relevance and for drawing attention away from the colourful personalities of the Roman emperors to instead consider the structures and patterns of power through which they ruled. Put simply, this is an essential read

Book review: gender inequality in the labour market in the UK edited by Giovanni Razzu

Despite the changed and changing position of women in society there remain substantial gender differences in the labour market. This collection covers the gender pay gap, occupational segregation, and gender differences in school subject choice. Marion Koob is impressed but would like to have seen more policy recommendations from the book’s contributors

Book review: British pirates and society 1680-1730 by Margarette Lincoln

British Pirates and Society 1680-1730 is a captivating and meticulously researched work of social history, which brings to life varied perspectives of the time, writes Marion Koob

Book review: elites: a general model

Elites: A General Model applies looks at three distinctly different societies – ancient India, Classical Athens, and the contemporary United States and analyses each societies’ politicians and propagandists, landowners and capitalists, national heroes and celebrities, ordinary folks and outcasts. Marion Koob reviews

Book review: prostitution policy in the Nordic region: ambiguous sympathies by May-Len Skilbrei and Charlotta Holmstrom

What can the rest of the world learn from prostitution policies in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland? Marion Koob recommends this persuasive book to researchers already studying sex work and prostitution policy