What were the results of the rat pleasure button experiment and how did it impact our understanding of reward systems in the brain?

In the rat pleasure button experiment, rats were given a button that, when pressed, stimulated the pleasure center of their brains. The rats became so addicted to pressing the button that they ignored food and water, eventually dying from exhaustion. This experiment showed that the brain's reward system can override basic survival instincts, leading to addictive behavior. It helped researchers understand the powerful influence of rewards on behavior and addiction.