Wiki: Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a mammalian hormone that acts primarily as a neuromodulator in the brain. Also known as alpha-hypophamine, oxytocin has the distinction of being the very first polypeptide hormone to be sequenced and synthesized biochemically, by Vincent du Vigneaud et al. in 1953.
Oxytocin is best known for roles in female reproduction: 1) it is released in large amounts after distension of the cervix and uterus during labor, and 2) after stimulation of the nipples, facilitating birth and breastfeeding. Recent studies have begun to investigate oxytocin’s role in various behaviors, including orgasm, social recognition, pair bonding, anxiety, and maternal behaviors. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as the “love hormone”.
Can Neuroscience explain Heroism? | What Makes a Hero?
Here’s an interesting article from The GreaterGood.Berkley.Edu which explores the ages-old “Nature or Nurture” argument where it pertains to the behaviors generally associated with heroism. Is there a “hero” gene? Is it social or economic influences? Can neuroscience explain the condition of heroism? Enjoy, ~Marsha What makes us good? What makes us evil? Research has [...]
Does Oxytocin Improve Social Cognition? | Found Article
I’ve written before about the importance of oxytocin in relationships, so I was interested in this recent study about oxytocin and social proficiency. At first glance, the results seem to indicate that oxytocin only increases “empathic accuracy” for those who weren’t good at it to begin with. However, I’m curious about other factors which may [...]
Why Empathy Can be a Two Edged Sword: Jeffrey Schwartz, M.D.
Story By Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. Jeffrey Schwartz, M.D. is a psychiatrist, researcher in neuroplasticity and author of the popular books Brain Lock: Free Yourself from Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior and The Mind and the Brain: Neuroplasticity and the Power of Mental Force. He recently sent me a write up he did on empathy titled Homo Empathicus: a creature [...]
Taking the Brain to Heart
AUTHOR CREDIT: Mark Brady Except for a brief stint in my early twenties working in for-profit corporate America, for most of my life I have been drawn to so-called “heart work.” I involved myself with non-profits providing important and meaningful service in the local community. When I lived on the San Francisco peninsula, I volunteered [...]
