The study investigates the role of phasic firing in dopaminergic (DA) neurons in behavioral conditioning. Using optogenetic tools, the researchers selectively stimulated DA neurons in freely behaving mice, finding that phasic activation of these neurons was sufficient to drive behavioral conditioning and elicit significant dopamine transients. The results demonstrate that phasic dopaminergic activity is crucial for mediating mammalian behavioral conditioning, providing a causal link between specific neural activity patterns and behavioral outcomes. The study also highlights the importance of precise temporal control in understanding the interactions between DA neurons and other neuromodulatory circuits.The study investigates the role of phasic firing in dopaminergic (DA) neurons in behavioral conditioning. Using optogenetic tools, the researchers selectively stimulated DA neurons in freely behaving mice, finding that phasic activation of these neurons was sufficient to drive behavioral conditioning and elicit significant dopamine transients. The results demonstrate that phasic dopaminergic activity is crucial for mediating mammalian behavioral conditioning, providing a causal link between specific neural activity patterns and behavioral outcomes. The study also highlights the importance of precise temporal control in understanding the interactions between DA neurons and other neuromodulatory circuits.