Latest

social hierarchy

This is an illustration of people pushing neurons, as in a battle.

·October 7, 2025·6 min read

Social Brain: Neurons That Decide Who Wins and Who Yields

Researchers have pinpointed specific brain cells that control how animals react to social defeat, offering new insight into the biology of dominance and submission. In male mice, neurons in the dorsomedial striatum—known as cholinergic interneurons—were found to regulate the “loser effect,” where past defeats lower an individual’s future social rank.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 20, 2025·5 min read

Silent Signals: How We Recognize Social Rank Instantly

Mice, like humans, navigate social hierarchies using subtle cues—but instead of reading facial expressions or clothing, they rely on chemical signals. A new study reveals that male mice can determine the social rank of unfamiliar opponents using airborne odors and physical scent cues.

Featured Psychology

·September 8, 2018·5 min read

Toddlers Prefer Winners, But Avoid Those Who Win by Force

By the age of 18 months, toddlers prefer individuals others yield to, researchers say. The study suggests this preference may be rooted deep in human nature and may have evolved because being close to those in power provides people with better access to resources, territory and mates.