The Biology of riskTo answer this question, scientists are studying the biological factors involved in risk-taking.Their research focuses on certain chemicals in the brain.An important chemical in risk-taking is dopamine.It motivates us to seek out and learn new things, and it helps us process emotions like anxiety and fear.People whose brains don't produce enough dopamine often lack motivation and interest in life.On the other hand, "someone who takes risks to accomplish something-to climb a mountain or start a company-that's driven by motivation, and motivation is driven by dopamine," says Larry Zweifel, a neurobiologist at the University of Washington."It's what compels humans to move forward.