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bonding

·January 27, 2023·6 min read

Fresh Questions About Oxytocin as the ‘Love Hormone’ Behind Pair Bonding

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.

This shows a female macaque and a toy of a baby monkey

Featured Neuroscience

·September 20, 2022·12 min read

Observations in Macaques Provide New Insights Into How Mothers Form Attachments to Their Newborns

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.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 20, 2022·3 min read

‘Cuddle Hormone’ Oxytocin Strongly Affects Male Mice on Becoming Fathers

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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 25, 2022·4 min read

Bond Between Mothers and Their Babies Integral to Infant Development

A mother's positive perception of her bond with her infant is a marker for more optimal social, emotional, and behavioral development.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 21, 2022·4 min read

Hormone Found to Regulate Mothers’ Behavior

Prolactin, a hormone responsible for milk production in mothers, reduces a mother's investment in aggressive behaviors and helps to increase protective behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 27, 2021·4 min read

Psychedelics Linked to Social Bonding and Prosocial Behaviors in Ravers

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.

This shows the implant resting on a fingertip

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 10, 2021·6 min read

Implanted Wireless Device Triggers Mice to Form Instant Bond

A new wireless, battery-less brain implant that harnesses optogenetics can manipulate social interactions in mice.

This shows a mom breastfeeding her newborn

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 10, 2021·6 min read

Depressed Moms Who Breastfeed Boost Babies’ Mood, Neuroprotection and Mutual Touch

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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 29, 2021·4 min read

Specific Bacteria in the Gut Prompt Mother Mice to Neglect Their Pups

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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 17, 2021·4 min read

How to Bond With Your Kids According to Neuroscience

New research that simultaneously measures brain activity in children and their parents offers insights into bonding.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 23, 2020·3 min read

A furry social robot can reduce pain and increase happiness

One hour long session with a cuddly seal-like social robot increased happiness, boosted oxytocin levels, and reduced pain in adults.

This is a drawing of two voles hugging over a heart

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 11, 2020·4 min read

Are our brains hard-wired for longing?

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.