Dr. Eelke Snoeren - UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Neurobiology of sexual behavior
Sexual behavior is a strong natural incentive-driven behavior that can be used to study the fundamental principles behind the motivational system in rats. In our research, we are especially interested in the neural regulation of the switch from an intrinsic motivational state into the execution of copulatory behaviors. In this talk, I will present the role of the amygdala and preoptic area in the regulation of sexual behavior.
Prof. Louk Vanderschuren - Utrecht University, The Netherlands
All work and no play: neural mechanisms of social play behavior in rats
Social play behavior is a highly rewarding, vigorous form of social behavior that is abundant in the young of most mammalian species. It is though that social play behavior serves to facilitate social, emotional and cognitive development, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. In this seminar, I will present an overview of our work on the brain mechanisms of social play behavior in rats, with an emphasis on its rewarding properties and its importance for the development of brain and behavior.
Dr. Jaime Mc Cutcheon - University of Leicester, United Kingdom
Neurobiology of nutrient selection
All animals, including humans, need to procure the correct balance of macronutrients and micronutrients to sustain ongoing biological processes. Accordingly, animals have evolved ways of signalling deficiency in certain nutrients such as sodium or amino acids and engaging specific behaviours that remedy the need state. My research aims to understand the neurobiology that underpins this phenomenon of nutrient selection.
Prof. Olivier Bosch - University of Regensburg, Germany
Breaking bonds dysregulate brain oxytocin signaling - Lessons from an animal model
The formation of bonds is essential for our physiological and psychological well-being. In contrast, when bonds break, e.g. due to separation or even death, the consequences can be detrimental. In this talk, I will demonstrate the essential involvement of oxytocin signaling in bonding and, consequently, the impairing effects of partner loss as studied in monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster).
9.30 – 10.30: Eelke Snoeren
10.45 – 11.45: Louk Vanderschuren
13.00 – 14.00: Jaime Mccutcheon
14.15 – 15.15: Oliver Bosch
NB: The lectures in the morning are held in AUD 3, the lectures in the afternoon will be held in AUD 5.