Psychobiological Research Articles

Voices without words: the spectrum of nonverbal vocalisations

ABSTRACT Nonverbal vocalisations are a fundamental part of human life. Here, we use Tinbergen’s ethological framework to examine the functions, ontogenetic trajectories, evolutionary history, and underlying mechanisms of five types of vocalisations: cries, laughter, moans, screams, and sighs. Integrating insights from evolutionary biology and social psychology, we demonstrate how biological functions and social factors shape vocalisations. Tracing the development of vocalisations from infancy to adulthood emphasises the role of innate tendencies, as well as delineating processes of social learning. For each vocalisation type, we map their distinct nature and communicative potential: cries are crucial for survival and caregiving responses; laughter fosters social bonding and group cohesion; moans convey a wide range of internal states from pleasure to discomfort; screams serve as urgent alarms in critical situations; and sighs regulate emotions and signal shifts in emotional states. We conclude that both biological and social factors must be considered to understand nonverbal vocalisations.

“In the Footsteps of Our Ancestors” Polish Traditions of Westward Migration Meets Modern Epigenetics of Trauma

For several years, there have been ongoing considerations regarding the interdisciplinary connections between the natural sciences and the humanities. The same holds true for the question as to whether trauma can be inherited biologically as well as culturally. Today, this topic is increasingly steering the scientific debate in the direction of epigenetic research, which currently combines molecular biology and social psychology with their respective hallmarks. Can culture-related traumas be inherited and, if this was possible, can transgenerational consequences of trauma be passed on to subsequent generations? The focus remains on educational and socialization-related conduct as well on biologically inherited processes of how individual deals with their own trauma. Can migration be inherited by subsequent generations via transgenerational transmission of trauma? In order to answer this question, both consequences and causes of the long-running migration from Poland to Western European countries need to be considered. This article thus seeks to establish a connection between now and then, while also focusing on tragic passages in Poland’s history that were characterized by suffering, statelessness, and occupation (until 1989). Consequently, multi-layered and repeated habitus breakages as well as specific Polish “worldviews” may have emerged, which tend to favour migration. The causal links between the transgenerational transmission of such traumas and their causal connections to ongoing migration from Poland to countries such as Germany are addressed by using modern epigenetics.

The Function of Language as an Adaptation Strategy for Javanese Transmigrants in Simpang Nangka Village, Selupu Rejang District, Bengkulu Province

This research is entitled "The Function of Language as an Adaptation Strategy forTransmigrants Java in Simpang Nangka Village, Selupu Rejang District, BengkuluProvince". This research aims to describe the adaptation process of Javanesetransmigrants in Indonesia Simpang Nangka Village and the function of language as anadaptation strategy for transmigrants Java. The theory used in this research is Bronislaw'sfunctionalism theory Malinowski The method used is a qualitative method, withtechniques collecting observation data, interviews and documentation.The results of this research explain that language functions as a strategyadaptation of Javanese transmigrants in Simpang Nangka Village. First of all bring it tohistory of transmigration to Simpang Nangka in 1964 through spontaneoustransmigration. From transmigration activities, the population in Simpang Nangka isdominated by two ethnicities namely the Javanese and the Rejang. While living inSimpang Nangka as a migrant The transmigrant population goes through severalprocesses to adapt there. As for Some of these processes are: Learning the Rejanglanguage, adaptation through agriculture,adaptation to social organizations, adaptationthrough kinship systems and so on.This research also explains the function of languageon related biological psychology human behavior and needs, then the function oflanguage in the economy, namely make it easier in the negotiation process and then thefunction of language in related politics voice through campaigns.

Haptic Perception and Its Relation to Action.

Haptic perception uses signals from touch receptors to detect, locate, and mentally represent objects and surfaces. Research from behavioral science, neuroscience, and computational modeling advances understanding of these essential functions. Haptic perception is grounded in neural circuitry that transmits external contact to the brain via increasingly abstracted representations. Computational models of mechanical interactions at the skin predict peripheral neural firing rates that initiate the processing chain. Behavioral phenomena and associated neural processes illustrate the reciprocal relationship by which perception supports action and action gates experience. The interaction of sensation and action is evident in how features of surfaces and objects such as softness and curvature are encoded. By incorporating touch sensations in conjunction with motor control, biologically embedded prosthetics enhance user capabilities and may elicit feelings of ownership. Efforts to create virtual haptic experience with advanced technologies underscore the complexity of this fundamental perceptual channel and its relation to action.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Green Human Resource Management

The purpose of this investigation is to use bibliometric analysis to examine publication trends, citations, top authors, top journals, and top study fields in the framework of Green Human Resource Management (HRM). This study analysed the data from 362 research studies between 2014 and 2024 using the bibliometric review approach. The VOS viewer program was used to analyse the data once it was gathered from the Dimensions database. Only two papers were published in 2014; by 2024, there will be sixty papers, according to the research. Moreover, there has been a significant increase in publications on Green HRM between 2019 and 2023. According to citation analysis, the study has determined the following information: the most significant studies on green human resource management (HRM), the most prestigious journals that publish articles on HRM, the most well-known authors who publish articles on HRM, and the top subject areas that publish research on HRM. This study show that the issue of green human resource management (HRM) is interdisciplinary in nature, as it is linked to fields such as biological sciences, engineering, psychology, and neuroscience, in addition to management and commerce. The review aims to provide scholars with an overview of Green HRM and highlight relevant areas for additional study. Keywords: Green HRM, Green Human Resource Management, Bibliometric, Citation analysis, Top journals

Impact of Social Connectedness on Neuroinflammation and Brain Architecture in Non-Human Primates

Social connectedness plays a critical role in the mental and physical health of primates, including humans.1-3 Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes, such as increased risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s, anxiety, and depression.2 Despite extensive research on the effects of early isolation, there is limited understanding of the neurobiological consequences of social deprivation during adulthood. This project aims to fill this gap by exploring how changes in social connectedness influence neuroinflammation and brain architecture in non-human primates (NHPs). The study utilized a longitudinal design involving 19 adult cynomolgus macaques to examine the effects of social living conditions on neuroinflammation and brain structure. The NHPs were first housed in group living conditions, transitioned to single-living conditions, and finally returned to group living. Multimodal neuroimaging was conducted to evaluate changes in cortical thickness, myelination, and brain connectivity across these phases. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected at multiple time points to assess levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-6) and a biomarker for neuroplasticity (BDNF).4-6 Advanced biomarker detection technology, such as SIMOA, ELISA, and Luminex, could be leveraged to achieve highly sensitive measurements of these markers.7,8 Preliminary findings indicate that social deprivation leads to decreases in cortical thickness and myelination in key brain regions associated with social cognition; however, these changes may be reversible upon reintroduction to group living.9-12 This study hypothesizes that the observed structural changes correlate with increases in neuroinflammatory markers. If confirmed, these results could highlight the critical role of social connectedness in maintaining brain health and suggest potential biomarkers for loneliness and related neuropsychiatric conditions. This research could inform interventions aimed at mitigating the negative health impacts of social isolation and improve welfare standards in NHP research, enhancing the translational relevance of such models to human health. References Holt-Lunstad J, Steptoe A. Social Isolation: An underappreciated determinant of physical health. Current Opinion in Psychology. 2022;43:232-237. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.07.012 Bzdok D, Dunbar RIM. The neurobiology of social distance. Trends in Cognitive Sciences. 2020;24(9):717-733. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2020.05.016 Cacioppo JT, Cacioppo S. The growing problem of loneliness. The Lancet. 2018;391(10119):426. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(18)30142-9 Magalhães DM, Mampay M, Sebastião AM, Sheridan GK, Valente CA. Age-related impact of social isolation in mice: Young vs middle-aged. Neurochemistry International. 2024;174:105678. doi:10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105678 Van Bogart K, Engeland CG, Sliwinski MJ, et al. The association between loneliness and inflammation: Findings from an older adult sample. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. 2022;15. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2021.801746 Bathina S, Das UN. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its clinical implications. Archives of Medical Science. 2015;6:1164-1178. doi:10.5114/aoms.2015.56342 Lasseter HC, Provost AC, Chaby LE, Daskalakis NP, Haas M, Jeromin A. Cross-platform comparison of highly sensitive immunoassay technologies for cytokine markers: Platform performance in post-traumatic stress disorder and parkinson’s disease. Cytokine: X. 2020;2(2):100027. doi:10.1016/j.cytox.2020.100027 Platchek M, Lu Q, Tran H, Xie W. Comparative analysis of multiple immunoassays for cytokine profiling in drug discovery. SLAS Discovery. 2020;25(10):1197-1213. doi:10.1177/2472555220954389 Miller JG, López V, Buthmann JL, Garcia JM, Gotlib IH. A social gradient of cortical thickness in adolescence: Relationships with neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, family socioeconomic status, and depressive symptoms. Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science. 2022;2(3):253-262. doi:10.1016/j.bpsgos.2022.03.005 Yang Y, Cheng Z, Tang H, et al. Neonatal maternal separation impairs prefrontal cortical myelination and cognitive functions in rats through activation of Wnt Cerebral Cortex. Published online May 13, 2016. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhw121 Sallet J, Mars RB, Noonan MP, et al. Social network size affects neural circuits in macaques. Science. 2011;334(6056):697-700. doi:10.1126/science.1210027 Makinodan M, Rosen KM, Ito S, Corfas A critical period for social experience–dependent oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination. Science. 2012;337(6100):1357-1360. doi:10.1126/science.1220845

A behavioral analysis system MCFBM enables objective inference of songbirds’ attention during social interactions

Understanding animal behavior is crucial in behavioral neuroscience, aiming to unravel the mechanisms driving these behaviors. A significant milestone in this field is the analysis of behavioral reactions during social interactions. Despite their importance in social learning, the behavioral aspects of these interaction are not well understood in detail due to the lack of appropriate tools. We introduce a high-precision, marker-based motion-capture system for analyzing behavior in songbirds, accurately tracking body location and head direction in multiple freely moving finches during social interaction. Focusing on zebra finches, our analysis revealed variations in eye use based on individuals presented. We also observed behavioral changes during virtual and live presentations and a conditioned-learning paradigm. Additionally, the system effectively analyzed social interactions among mice. This system provides an efficient tool for advanced behavioral analysis in small animals and offers an objective method to infer their focus of attention.

Introducing BRAINOER: The Behavioral Research and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Open Educational Repository.

Foundational textbooks for neuroscience courses can be cost-prohibitive for students and may omit recent advances in the field. Therefore, an Open Educational Resource (OER) repository was curated using existing OER materials for use in behavioral neuroscience and physiology courses. The Behavioral Research and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Open Educational Repository (BRAINOER) contains 9 modules that include the following foundational topics: (1) The Brain and Nervous System, (2) Neurons, (3) The Endocrine System, (4) Neurotransmitters and Psychopharmacology, (5) Motor Processing, (6) Advanced Brain Functions, (7) Sensation and Perception, (8) Genetics and Evolution, (9) Research, Design, and Methods. Each module contains learning objectives in a checklist format, and modules are divided into basic and advanced content where appropriate. Because the repository is divided into content modules, the materials can be used as a full-curriculum or assigned on a module-by-module basis.

Memphis NeuroSTART Program: Promoting Student Success and Increasing the Diversity of Applicants to Neuroscience Graduate Programs.

With grant support from the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Awards to Stimulate and Support Undergraduate Research Experiences (ASSURE) program funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), we established a program intended to increase the number of underrepresented racial and ethnic minority (URM) and first-generation undergraduate students successfully applying to neuroscience and other STEM-related graduate programs. The Neuroscience Techniques and Research Training (NeuroSTART) Program aimed to increase the number of undergraduate students from the Memphis area involved in behavioral neuroscience research. In this two-semester program, students completed an empirical research project in a neuroscience lab, received individual mentoring from neuroscience faculty, became part of a STEM network, presented at research conferences, and attended specialized professional development seminars. In two cohorts of 15 students, 4 are PhD students in neuroscience-related programs or in medical school (27%), 4 are employed in neuroscience-related research facilities (27%), 3 are employed as clinical assistants (20%), and 1 is employed in the IT field (7%). The remaining three recently graduated and are planning a gap year prior to applying for admission to graduate/medical school. The Memphis NeuroSTART program has provided valuable training to participants, making them competitive applicants for jobs in the health sciences and for admittance into graduate neuroscience programs. By providing this training to first-generation and URM students, the broader impact of this program was an increase in the diversity of the health sciences workforce, particularly those specializing in neuroscience-related research and treatment.

Neurodiversity in the Minds of Students: From Perception to Campus Programming.

Neurodiversity is a social justice movement at the nexus of neuroscience, academia, and public policy. A contemporary view of neurodiversity is one that embraces neurological differences, encompassing all "neurotypes," including more specific identifiers like autistic or dyslexic. The goal of this study was to investigate student awareness and perception of neurodiversity since they are the next generation of public policy makers. Students enrolled in Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience (N=146) were exposed to different information sources (popular, academic, TED talk, or choose/find their own) on the topic of neurodiversity. They then wrote a paper where they summarized: a) the information source used, b) their ideas to better support a neurodiverse society, and c) their opinions on aspects of neurodiversity. Several important findings emerged. First, 64% of the sample had never heard of the term neurodiversity; this class was their first exposure to it. Second, students conducting their own searches on neurodiversity had the highest level of optimism (p < 0.05) that society was ready to accept neurodiversity. Students identified even higher rates of receptivity (85%) amongst their friends. Third, student ideas to advance neurodiversity were organized into more salient categories for campuses to consider. Our findings challenge neuroscience programs to consider their role in providing "first exposure" opportunities to students in the diversity, equity, and inclusion realm, especially in areas directly related to our field. We also discuss the growing relevance of neurodiversity in research and academia and offer programming possibilities to enhance neurodiversity awareness and support on college campuses.

What is the Relation between Chemosensory Perception and Chemosensory Mental Imagery?

The study of chemosensory mental imagery is undoubtedly made more difficult because of the profound individual differences that have been reported in the vividness of (e.g.) olfactory mental imagery. At the same time, the majority of those researchers who have attempted to study people's mental imagery abilities for taste (gustation) have actually mostly been studying flavour mental imagery. Nevertheless, there exists a body of human psychophysical research showing that chemosensory mental imagery exhibits a number of similarities with chemosensory perception. Furthermore, the two systems have frequently been shown to interact with one another, the similarities and differences between chemosensory perception and chemosensory mental imagery at the introspective, behavioural, psychophysical, and cognitive neuroscience levels in humans are considered in this narrative historical review. The latest neuroimaging evidence show that many of the same brain areas are engaged by chemosensory mental imagery as have previously been documented to be involved in chemosensory perception. That said, the pattern of neural connectively is reversed between the 'top-down' control of chemosensory mental imagery and the 'bottom-up' control seen in the case of chemosensory perception. At the same time, however, there remain a number of intriguing questions as to whether it is even possible to distinguish between orthonasal and retronasal olfactory mental imagery, and the extent to which mental imagery for flavour, which most people not only describe as, but also perceive to be, the 'taste' of food and drink, is capable of reactivating the entire flavour network in the human brain.

The Budding Neuroscience of Ant Social Behavior.

Ant physiology has been fashioned by 100 million years of social evolution. Ants perform many sophisticated social and collective behaviors yet possess nervous systems similar in schematic and scale to that of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, a popular solitary model organism. Ants are thus attractive complementary subjects to investigate adaptations pertaining to complex social behaviors that are absent in flies. Despite research interest in ant behavior and the neurobiological foundations of sociality more broadly, our understanding of the ant nervous system is incomplete. Recent technical advances have enabled cutting-edge investigations of the nervous system in a fashion that is less dependent on model choice, opening the door for mechanistic social insect neuroscience. In this review, we revisit important aspects of what is known about the ant nervous system and behavior, and we look forward to how functional circuit neuroscience in ants will help us understand what distinguishes solitary animals from highly social ones.

The Visual Systems of Zebrafish.

The zebrafish visual system has become a paradigmatic preparation for behavioral and systems neuroscience. Around 40 types of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) serve as matched filters for stimulus features, including light, optic flow, prey, and objects on a collision course. RGCs distribute their signals via axon collaterals to 12 retinorecipient areas in forebrain and midbrain. The major visuomotor hub, the optic tectum, harbors nine RGC input layers that combine information on multiple features. The retinotopic map in the tectum is locally adapted to visual scene statistics and visual subfield-specific behavioral demands. Tectal projections to premotor centers are topographically organized according to behavioral commands. The known connectivity in more than 20 processing streams allows us to dissect the cellular basis of elementary perceptual and cognitive functions. Visually evoked responses, such as prey capture or loom avoidance, are controlled by dedicated multistation pathways that-at least in the larva-resemble labeled lines. This architecture serves the neuronal code's purpose of driving adaptive behavior.

Do body colour and sociability impact scototaxis response of fish?

Scototaxis test is an anxiety-like test used by behavioural neuroscientists consisting in the assessment of dark/light preference of laboratory animals. This test has been widely used in fish. Most of the species have been shown to express a preference for the dark environment. However, the majority of the investigated species has a dark body colour, thus making a clear contrast with a white/bright background. Also, while in nature fish tend to be highly social, studies in the scototaxis literature tested single fish. Yet, individual vs. group behaviour might interact with scototaxis response. In experiment 1, we assessed the individual response to test the hypothesis that the different colours of the body might modulate the dark/light preference. We found that species with a dark body colour (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) and a largely transparent body colour (Kryptopterus bicirrhis) strongly preferred the darker environment. Instead, the preference for darkness of a species with a luminescent part of the body (Paracheirodon axelrodi) was less pronounced. Lastly, a species with a white body colour (Corydoras albini) did not prefer either a bright or a dark sector. In experiment 2, we explored the behaviour of these species when inserted in shoals of 20 individuals in the experimental apparatus. While H. megalopterus and K. bichirrhis confirmed their robust preference for darker environments, the other two species changed their preference. Taken together, these results suggest that scototaxis response is context-dependent, as it appears to be modulated by the body colour and the presence/absence of other conspecifics in the surrounding.

Contemporary neuroscientific concepts and psychotherapy: possibilities for integration

The article presents a review and analysis of literature aimed at grounding psychotherapy within the context of contemporary neuroscientific concepts. It is suggested that on the neural level psychotherapy is associated with changes in the mentalizing and empathy networks’ connectivity. Several mechanisms underlying these changes are proposed: enhancement of the prefrontal system’s role in arousal regulation, oxytocin-related modulation of the attachment system, and optimization of predictive coding of interpersonal perception, including the prediction error processing pathway. The hypotheses are supported by studies in social, cognitive, affective and behavioral neuroscience, research in the field of psychotherapy, and neuroimaging data on the effects of psychotherapy.

Unbiased analysis of spatial learning strategies in a modified Barnes maze using convolutional neural networks

Assessment of spatial learning abilities is central to behavioral neuroscience and a useful tool for animal model validation and drug development. However, biases introduced by the apparatus, environment, or experimentalist represent a critical challenge to the test validity. We have recently developed the Modified Barnes Maze (MBM) task, a spatial learning paradigm that overcomes inherent behavioral biases of animals in the classical Barnes maze. The specific combination of spatial strategies employed by mice is often considered representative of the level of cognitive resources used. Herein, we have developed a convolutional neural network-based classifier of exploration strategies in the MBM that can effectively provide researchers with enhanced insights into cognitive traits in mice. Following validation, we compared the learning performance of female and male C57BL/6J mice, as well as that of Ts65Dn mice, a model of Down syndrome, and 5xFAD mice, a model of Alzheimer’s disease. Male mice exhibited more effective navigation abilities than female mice, reflected in higher utilization of effective spatial search strategies. Compared to wildtype controls, Ts65Dn mice exhibited delayed usage of spatial strategies despite similar success rates in completing this spatial task. 5xFAD mice showed increased usage of non-spatial strategies such as Circling that corresponded to higher latency to reach the target and lower success rate. These data exemplify the need for deeper strategy classification tools in dissecting complex cognitive traits. In sum, we provide a machine-learning-based strategy classifier that extends our understanding of mice’s spatial learning capabilities while enabling a more accurate cognitive assessment.

Behavioral neuroscience in zebrafish: unravelling the complexity of brain-behavior relationships.

This paper reviews the utility of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model system for exploring neurobehavioral phenomena in preclinical research, focusing on physiological processes, disorders, and neurotoxicity biomarkers. A comprehensive review of the current literature was conducted to summarize the various behavioral characteristics of zebrafish. The study examined the etiological agents used to induce neurotoxicity and the biomarkers involved, including Aβ42, tau, MMP-13, MAO, NF-Кβ, and GFAP. Additionally, the different zebrafish study models and their responses to neurobehavioral analysis were discussed. The review identified several key biomarkers of neurotoxicity in zebrafish, each impacting different aspects of neurogenesis, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Aβ42 was found to alter neuronal growth and stem cell function. Tau's interaction with tubulin affected microtubule stability and led to tauopathies under pathological conditions. MMP-13 was linked to oxidative assault and sensory neuron degeneration. MAO plays a role in neurotransmitter metabolism and neurotoxicity conversion. NF-Кβ was involved in pro-inflammatory pathways, and GFAP was indicative of neuroinflammation and astroglial activation. Zebrafish provide a valuable model for neurobehavioral research, adhering to the "3Rs" philosophy. Their neurotoxicity biomarkers offer insights into the mechanisms of neurogenesis, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. This model system aids in evaluating physiological and pathological conditions, enhancing our understanding of neurobehavioral phenomena and potential therapeutic interventions.

High-performance wide-band open-source system for acoustic stimulation

The design and characterization of a low-cost, open-source auditory delivery system to deliver high performance auditory stimuli is presented. The system includes a high-fidelity sound card and audio amplifier devices with low-latency and wide bandwidth targeted for behavioral neuroscience research. The characterization of the individual devices and the entire system is performed, providing a thorough audio characterization data for varying frequencies and sound levels. The system implements the open-source Harp protocol, enabling the hardware timestamping of devices and seamless synchronization with other Harp devices.

Neuroethology: Fear outside the box

Behavioral neuroscience has successfully and in great detail deconstructed circuit mechanisms underlying fear behaviors using reductionist approaches. Recent research in more naturalistic settings now reveals additional higher-level organization, where hypothalamic circuits multiplex threat detection and fear memory updating to safely navigate complex environments.

Productive pluralism: The coming of age of ecological psychology.

The ecological approach to psychology has been a main antecedent of embodied and situated approaches to cognition. The concept of affordances in particular has gained currency throughout psychological science. Yet, contemporary ecological psychology has seemed inaccessible to outsiders and protective of its legacy. Indeed, some prominent ecological psychologists have presented their approach as a "package deal"-a principled and unified perspective on perception and action. Looking at the history of the field, however, we argue that ecological psychology has developed in rich and pluriform ways. Aiming to open the field to critical engagement and productive exchange, we identify three major strands of thought within ecological psychology, each of which emerged in the 20 years after Gibson's death: physical, biological, and social ecological psychology. Each of these strands develop ecological ideas in quite different directions, making different use of some of its central concepts, adopting different explanatory principles, and embodying different philosophical worldviews. Proponents of the ecological approach have been arguing for pluralism within cognitive science to make room for ecological psychology. Given the diversity of the strands, we extend this plea to within ecological psychology itself; the field is better off aiming for a productive pluralism in which the different strands are in dialogue with each other. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).