Computational Neuroscience InitiativeSAIL Room, 111 Levin Building (425 S. University Ave.)
Russell Fernald
Department of Biology
Stanford University
How does social behavior change the brain?
Inequality in social status can have profound effects on the physical and mental health of individuals. For example, children from low socioeconomic status backgrounds have higher rates of mortality and are at greater risk for injuries, chronic medical conditions, and behavioral disorders compared with those from high socioeconomic status. But how does the perception of social rank influence the brain and the body? What are the mechanisms that allow social information to change brains? In animal systems, the effects of low social status can be measured and promise the hope of identifying underlying neurobiology responsible. I will discuss social regulation in animals that change brains and describe mechanisms we have discovered underlying such change.
The talk will begin at 12pm. A pizza lunch will be served at 11:45am.