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Oxytocin Regulates Sociosexual Behavior In Female Mice

Posted by timothy on from the take-two-of-these-and-I'll-make-breakfast-in-the-morning dept.

Chipmunk100 writes In a research article in the journal Cell scientists report that there is a subset of neurons that are vital in social interest of female mice for males during estrus, the sexually receptive phase of their cycle. They say that these neurons are responsive to oxytocin. The level of oxytocin rise when we hug or kiss a loved one. The BBC has an article on the findings as well, and reports that Without [oxytocin], female mice were no more attracted to a mate than to a block of Lego ... [The affected] neurons are situated in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain important for personality, learning and social behaviour. Both when the hormone was withheld and when the cells were silenced, the females lost interest in mating during oestrous, which is when female mice are sexually active.

9 of 216 comments (clear)

  1. Oxy-what? by ArcadeMan · · Score: 5, Funny

    Hey, did somebody mention LEGO?!

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  2. Now available by PPH · · Score: 4, Funny

    New Axe body spray with oxytoxin.

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  3. Re:Your conclusions are invalid. by epyT-R · · Score: 2, Funny

    not just because Free Will, but for Great Social Justice.

  4. If you dare... by Sasayaki · · Score: 5, Funny

    Browsing at -1 in this thread is fucking terrifying.

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  5. In other news by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    High concentrations of oxytocin found in larger than average sums of money.

  6. Re:Your conclusions are invalid. by visualight · · Score: 2, Funny

    It is heresy to even suggest that there are biology driven gender specific behaviors. Everything bad in the world is because boys are socialized incorrectly. Don't worry though, social science ( nee studies ) professors are retooling our schools as we speak!

    I'll just leave this here:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

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  7. And in other science news... by hyades1 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Biologists have now discovered the most powerful oxytocin suppressant on Earth.

    It is known as "Wedding Cake".

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  8. Re:Your conclusions are invalid. by Opportunist · · Score: 2, Funny

    What's not rational about choosing tits and ass?

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  9. Re:As expected by AmiMoJo · · Score: 3, Funny

    Funny, I saw this story and knew it would provide ammo for people who use phrases like Social Justice Warrior. Way to go, moron.

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