Researchers studied the changes that occurred in the brains of mice demonstrating aggressive behavior, which attacked other mice and won in fights. After a win, these mice became even more aggressive, and new neurons appeared in their hippocampus - one of the key structures of the brain; in addition to this, in mice that were allowed to continue fighting certain changes were observed in the activity of their nerve cells.
This is what the researchers assert.
- Our behavior, and the behavior of animals, has an influence on the function of the brain and may cause long-term changesThis is what all psychologists assert.
That behavior alone can change the brain.
That may be so. But this study proves no such thing. These animals were injured, and the immune response changes the brain. Not the behavior. Not the emotional reward.
The hippocampus remembers where dangerous things happen.
And experiencing an immune response is a fundamental molecular indicator of danger.
It looks very much like:
-Low levels of injury increase the stress hormones, including dopamine- which produces positive memories and confidence. Dopamine also triggers alertness and exploring.
-And high levels of injury overwhelms the immune response and triggers depression and avoidance memories.
As it should be, I guess.
But then again- Today is the day we celebrate that basic neurology by inducing brain damage in the winners of the human aggression tests.
Same as it ever was.
Update: As I was saying...
Ronda Rousey thought 'about killing myself' after Holly Holm knockout
