The brain is a vital organ, susceptible to alterations under genetic influences and
environmental experiences. Social isolation (SI) acts as a stressor which results in …

Social relationships throughout life are vital for well-being and physical and mental health. A
significant amount of research in animal models as well as in humans suggests that oxytocin …

Abstract We describe the Cacioppo Evolutionary Theory of Loneliness (ETL) and its
manifestations in contemporary society. The early conceptualizations of loneliness were as …

Behavioural and physiological markers of discrete positive emotions remain little
investigated in animals. To characterise new markers in horses, we used tactile stimulations …

The diagnosis of a mental disorder generally depends on clinical observations and
phenomenological symptoms reported by the patient. The definition of a given diagnosis is …

Social support can relieve stress-induced behavioural outcomes, although its underlying
molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we evaluated whether social …

Strong social support can negate negative health outcomes–an effect defined as 'social
buffering'. In the present study, using the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus …

Aging is associated with a substantial decline in the expression of social behavior as well as
increased neuroinflammation. Since immune activation and subsequent increased …

Stress has adverse effects on social behavior that is mediated by dopamine circuits in the
midbrain. The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of chronic stress and …

A small, but powerful neuropeptide, oxytocin coordinates processes that are central to both
human reproduction and human evolution. Also embedded in the evolution of the human …