Social reward
New test taps nose pokes as a proxy for social motivation in mice
Over one hour, a particularly motivated mouse poked its nose 350 times into a hole in the test chamber in the hopes of meeting a playmate.
![Position heatmaps of mice performing a behavioral assay.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1200-social-motivation-assay-autism.png)
New test taps nose pokes as a proxy for social motivation in mice
Over one hour, a particularly motivated mouse poked its nose 350 times into a hole in the test chamber in the hopes of meeting a playmate.
Psychedelics give mice second chance to learn social rewards
The drugs may reopen a critical window during development in which the brain can more easily adjust its connections.
![A photograph of a mouse against a swirly, multi-colored backdrop](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-psychedelics-social-reward-learning-autism.png)
Psychedelics give mice second chance to learn social rewards
The drugs may reopen a critical window during development in which the brain can more easily adjust its connections.
Getting eight arms around autism
Octopuses can solve some of the same problems as people but do so in unusual ways.
![Illustration shows two octopi interacting on a yellow background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/Octopus844.jpg)
Getting eight arms around autism
Octopuses can solve some of the same problems as people but do so in unusual ways.
Drugs boost serotonin, socialization in multiple autism mouse models
The finding that MDMA and an experimental serotonin agonist increase sociability across six different model mice suggests that disparate autism-linked mutations converge on the same underlying pathways.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20210806-Serotonin844.jpg)
Drugs boost serotonin, socialization in multiple autism mouse models
The finding that MDMA and an experimental serotonin agonist increase sociability across six different model mice suggests that disparate autism-linked mutations converge on the same underlying pathways.
The benefits of special interests in autism
Researchers are studying how the intense passions of autistic people shape the brain, improve well-being and enhance learning.
![Boy in front of colorful constellation or universe, studying the realms of outer space.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SpecialInterestsLead844.jpg)
The benefits of special interests in autism
Researchers are studying how the intense passions of autistic people shape the brain, improve well-being and enhance learning.
Brain circuit makes social interactions rewarding, may be altered in autism
Blocking connections between the amygdala and hypothalamus prevents mice from finding social interactions as rewarding as they would otherwise.
![Brain scan showing communication from amygdala to hypothalamus about social reward.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210430-AmydalaHypothalamus-844.jpg)
Brain circuit makes social interactions rewarding, may be altered in autism
Blocking connections between the amygdala and hypothalamus prevents mice from finding social interactions as rewarding as they would otherwise.
Dopamine neurons may dampen social behavior in mouse model of autism
Mice missing a copy of the autism-linked gene PTEN show a reduced preference for social interaction, possibly due to atypically large, overconnected dopamine neurons. Easing the overconnection may alleviate this trait.
![dopamine neurons in mice show up green in an area of the brain associated with social reward.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Dopamine-844.jpg)
Dopamine neurons may dampen social behavior in mouse model of autism
Mice missing a copy of the autism-linked gene PTEN show a reduced preference for social interaction, possibly due to atypically large, overconnected dopamine neurons. Easing the overconnection may alleviate this trait.
Autism-linked gene exerts varied effects on oxytocin circuits in mice
Two types of neurons process social information, a new mouse study suggests, but only one is disrupted in mice missing the autism-linked gene FMR1.
![Oxytocin neurons stained pink and green.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201214-ParallelSocial-844.jpg)
Autism-linked gene exerts varied effects on oxytocin circuits in mice
Two types of neurons process social information, a new mouse study suggests, but only one is disrupted in mice missing the autism-linked gene FMR1.
Social motivation predicts language skills in autistic children
The more children with autism tune in to and communicate with others as toddlers, the stronger their conversation skills are later in childhood.
![Toddler vocalizing with parent.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20201008-Toddler844.jpg)
Social motivation predicts language skills in autistic children
The more children with autism tune in to and communicate with others as toddlers, the stronger their conversation skills are later in childhood.
In search of ‘social’ subtypes of autism
Grouping autistic people based on their social abilities may reveal subtypes of the condition.
![Illustration shows scientist is observing social behavior in a large group of children](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20200721-Frazier844.jpg)
In search of ‘social’ subtypes of autism
Grouping autistic people based on their social abilities may reveal subtypes of the condition.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Computational and systems neuroscience needs development
Embracing recent advances in developmental biology can drive a new wave of innovation.
![Illustration of a fly with its life cycle represented on its left and a technological background on its right.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lede-Scott-1200-1024x692.webp)
Computational and systems neuroscience needs development
Embracing recent advances in developmental biology can drive a new wave of innovation.
Diagnosing autism and teaching neurodiversity with So Hyun “Sophy” Kim
The Korea University professor on her path to autism research and studying in the United States.
![Illustrated portrait of So Hyun “Sophy” Kim.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1200-sophy-kim-synaptic-1024x683.webp)
Diagnosing autism and teaching neurodiversity with So Hyun “Sophy” Kim
The Korea University professor on her path to autism research and studying in the United States.
Temperature tunes circadian timing in some desert mammals
Light has hogged all the attention in chronobiology research—but now, in camel, goat and mole rat experiments, temperature takes the lead.
![A man walks a dromedary camel down a hallway.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/camel-walking-1200-1024x692.webp)
Temperature tunes circadian timing in some desert mammals
Light has hogged all the attention in chronobiology research—but now, in camel, goat and mole rat experiments, temperature takes the lead.