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Oxytocin

Featured Psychology

·April 23, 2019·3 min read

Some women could be more susceptible to PTSD than others

Oxytocin and cortisol levels are higher in women with dissociative PTSD.

This shows the chemical structure of oxytocin

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 16, 2019·3 min read

Oxytocin could help treat alcohol use disorder: Rat Study

Administering oxytocin blocks the enhanced motivation for drinking alcohol that fuels alcohol use disorder by blocking GABA signaling in the central nucleus of the amygdala.

This shows a brain overlayed on a person's head with a swirly, psychedelic background

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 4, 2019·5 min read

Psychedelic drug MDMA may reawaken ‘critical period’ in brain to help treat PTSD

MDMA, a psychedelic drug, has successfully been used to reopen the 'critical period' of learning the reward values of social behaviors. Researchers report, in mature mice given MDMA, oxytocin triggers signaling in synapses that help encode social learning and memory, a process that does not usually occur in older animals. The findings could help in the development of treatments for PTSD and other disorders.

The amygdala is highlighted in this brain scan

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 12, 2019·5 min read

Fear center in the brain protects against illusions

Researchers report inhibited activity of the amygdala makes people more susceptible to deception when it comes to illusory perception. The study suggests the amygdala might help to protect us against distortions in self-perception.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 12, 2019·5 min read

Couples Creating Art Release Oxytocin, But Men Who Paint Release the Most

A new study reveals couples who create art or play board games together release oxytocin. Researchers report males release 2 to 2.5 times more oxytocin when creating art with their loved one.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 2, 2019·3 min read

Why Are People Religious? A Cognitive Perspective

Researchers investigate both the cognitive and neurobiological basis of why so people have religious beliefs.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 31, 2018·6 min read

Tips For A New Year Tuneup For Your Brain

Researchers provide strategies for enhancing brain health and lowering stress in the new year.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·December 4, 2018·4 min read

Microbial Based Treatment Reverses ASD’s Social Deficits: Mouse Study

Researchers report the administration of Lactobacillus reuteri may lead to brain changes that reverse social deficits in mouse models of ASD through a mechanism that involves the vagus nerve and reward system. The findings hold promise for the development of treatments for ASD, as well as other disorders, by modulating specific gut microbes.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 20, 2018·6 min read

New Insight Into Infant Handling by Young Bonobos

Researchers report young female bonobos prepare for motherhood by helping mother apes to take care of their young. Findings also show elevated levels of oxytocin in the urine of young females who help with parental style care of baby bonobos.

Featured Psychology

·June 4, 2018·2 min read

Simple Touching Fosters Wellness and Relieves Stress For Couples

Researchers report couples who frequently hug or hold hands have lower cortisol levels, have decreased symptoms of physical problems and sleep better.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 29, 2018·5 min read

Oxytocin and Vasopressin Flatten Social Hierarchy and Synchronize Behaviors

A new study of male rhesus macaques reveals exposure to oxytocin and vasopressin 'flattens' group hierarchy, forcing dominant males to become more relaxed and subordinate monkeys to become more confident.