Why some are more likely to try out new, exciting experiences than others



Skydiving: Those who enjoy new experiences have strong links between the memory hub and the area of the brain that produces pleasure

Whether you are the adventurous type or one of those who sticks to what you know is all down to how your brain is wired, say scientists.



They have found that the strength of links between two key parts of the brain affect how we respond to new experiences.



German researchers asked 20 young men and women to gauge their attitudes to change or ' novelty seeking'.

Scans showed the easily bored on-the-go types had strong connections between the hippocampus (the memory hub) and another part of the brain called the ventral stratium.



It is thought that when the memory hub fails to recognise an experience it sends a message through the white matter - fibreladen tissue which carries messages - to the ventral stratium. This releases chemicals which produce a feeling of pleasure.



And in those who constantly seek new experiences, the Bonn university team found the connections between the two areas were particularly good.

