What is it that drives some people to take a risk while others would do otherwise? Scientists believe that some biological factors are involved. An important chemical in the brain called dopamine is 26 risk-taking. It motivates us to seek out and learn new things and helps us process emotions, like anxiety and fear. People often 28 27 brains do not produce enough dopamine motivation and interest in life. When we accomplish a task, dopamine produces a feeling of satisfaction; it makes us feel good. The riskier the task, the more dopamine we produce, and the better we feel. 29 , our brains have one way to protect us from taking too many risks. Small molecules called autoreceptors control dopamine use in the brain. A person with more autoreceptors tends to be more careful, 30 there is less dopamine moving around his or her brain.