Matter Neuroscience

Feeling good is good for us

Over millions and millions of years, a collection of reward systems — dopamine, testosterone, serotonin, oxytocin, cannabinoid, and opioid molecules and their receptors all working together — evolved in our brains.

The reward systems make us feel good to help us learn and grow: We do something good, we feel a positive emotion, we remember what we did. And so, we can do it better the next time around.

These reward systems help us meet our most basic needs, like food, shelter, reproduction, and recognition. They also help us meet our more complex — but still essential — needs for love and belonging, for cooperation and purpose.

Be happier, live better

We all have this in common: We all need all of these things, and we all have these reward systems.

Understanding and activating our reward systems makes us smarter, more creative, and more empathetic people. It helps us live healthier, happier, and longer lives.

But what activates our reward systems is highly personal. Only you can know what works for you.

For yourself and the people around you

The Matter app pairs your personal experiences with universal neuroscience to help you understand your reward systems.

Here’s how it works: Collect and reflect on what you do, how you feel, and what you remember. Find out what’s happening in your brain. Make small changes to make your everyday better — for yourself and the people around you.

While we’re in (private) beta, see our privacy policy. Please know that this is a baseline, and ultimately, you’ll be the only person who can access your most personal data. More to come.

Your feedback is always welcome. Email us at happy@matter.xyz.

More about Matter

Matter was founded by neuroscientist Axel Bouchon, who previously led the venture arms for Moderna and Bayer; Ben Goldhirsh of Good Magazine and Mighty; and Chris Shiflett of Faculty and Brooklyn Beta.