Stanford Medicine faculty member Neir Eshel, an assistant professor of psychiatry, alerted us to a paper (eventually published Nov. 27 in Neuron), describing his team’s methodical study of the critical – and surprising – role of dopamine. This “do it again, do it some more” brain chemical has been linked to pleasure, learning, and habit formation – and in our overvaluation of what economists call “sunk costs." Sunk costs are the time, money, effort, suffering, or any combination of these that we’ve put into ownership, experience, or our own self-esteem. Eshel wondered whether we might find his study newsworthy. We were strongly inclined to put a spotlight on this young researcher with whom our office hadn’t communicated before. But what was the best way to do that? Perhaps not by means of a standard news release but rather by a tongue-in-cheek feature. This approach seemed to work.
From the Judges
Solid writing. The writer made it relatable and personable. It does read a little too scientifically in the middle sections, but pretty strong overall. The lede is very good and funny, and it explained the topic well.
