Scientists know that humans, chimpanzees, and other primates can convey surprising amounts of information by means of a glance and tilt of the head. But what about animals with eyes on the sides of their heads, like deer and horses? What kind of social cues do they use to communicate?
Now, mammal communication experts report that, at least for horses, a great deal of information is conveyed through the position of the animal’s ears as well as its eyes.
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Author Jennifer Wathan is shown with study participant Bartie.
After a dozen years studying the role oxytocin plays in human behavior, I thought I’d share an answer to the question I am most often asked about oxytocin: How can I raise my levels? As the paperback version of The Moral Molecule hits the shelves, this seems an appropriate time to unveil my top 10 list.
Before I can tell you how to raise oxytocin, we need a short neuroscience digression. The effect of oxytocin, like other signaling chemicals in the brain, is more dependent on changes than absolute levels. Oxytocin helps us respond appropriately to our social environment by changing amounts in the brain second by second. So, rather than focus on oxytocin levels that are near zero for most people without a positive social interaction, the question is how can one increase the surge in oxytocin when interacting with others and thereby increase our empathy and compassion towards them.
