The "love hormone" oxytocin may not play as critical a role in bonding as previously believed. Removing the oxytocin receptor in animal models still resulted in monogamous mating, attachment, and parental bonding behaviors, although females without the receptor produced milk in smaller quantities. Findings reveal parenting and bonding aren't purely dictated by oxytocin receptors.
Female macaques appear to form an attachment to their infants via tactile sensations of their soft textures rather than on other cues, including sight and sound.
Neurons that secrete oxytocin in the paraventricular nucleus in the hypothalamus are responsible for activating paternal instincts in new fathers, a mouse model study finds.
A mother's positive perception of her bond with her infant is a marker for more optimal social, emotional, and behavioral development.
Prolactin, a hormone responsible for milk production in mothers, reduces a mother's investment in aggressive behaviors and helps to increase protective behaviors.
Drums, dance, sleep deprivation, and drugs, referred to as the 4D's in the rave scene was associated with personal transformation for those who considered a rave to be an awe-inspiring event. The more a person felt personally transformed by the experience, the more bonded to the fellow ravers they felt. This phenomenon may explain the long-standing popularity of the rave scene.
A new wireless, battery-less brain implant that harnesses optogenetics can manipulate social interactions in mice.
Breastfeeding has a positive effect on postnatal depression and bonding between mothers and their babies. Breastfeeding also has positive implications for neuroprotection in babies of depressed mothers.
Researchers have identified a strain of E.coli in the guts of female mice that cause them to neglect their offspring. The study shows a direct link between the microbiome and maternal behavior.
New research that simultaneously measures brain activity in children and their parents offers insights into bonding.
One hour long session with a cuddly seal-like social robot increased happiness, boosted oxytocin levels, and reduced pain in adults.
Neuroimaging study reveals the neural basis for the motivation to reunite with the ones you love. The findings could lead to new therapies for disorders associated with social behaviors, and may also help explain why social distancing is so tough.