close this window
Finding it Fun to Rumble
Researchers from the University of Vanderbilt have shown that aggression is just as
rewarding as sex, food, and drugs – although not, we assume, in that order.
The Vanderbilt study, appearing in the January edition of Pharmacology, is
the first to reveal a link between behavior and the activity of dopamine
receptors in reaction to an aggressive episode. “We learned from these
experiments that an individual will intentionally seek out an aggressive
encounter solely because they experience a rewarding sensation from it,” said
Craig Kennedy, professor of special education and pediatrics at Vanderbilt.
“This shows for the first time that aggression, on its own, is motivating, and
that the well-known positive reinforcer dopamine plays a critical role.”
For the experiments, a pair of mice – one
guy, one gal – was kept in a cage and five “intruder” mice were stationed in a
separate cage. The female mouse was temporarily removed, and an intruder mouse
was introduced in her place, a switcheroo that triggered an aggressive response
from the “home” male mouse. The bullying behavior included all the usual schoolyard
antics: tail rattle, an aggressive sideways stance, boxing, and biting.
But it’s one thing to lash out at an unwelcome burglar; quite another to throw
down the gauntlet and demand a rematch. In the Vanderbilt study, the home mouse
was trained to poke a target with its nose to get the intruder to return, at
which point it inevitably sought a rumble. The trigger was presented once a
day, and the home mouse consistently prodded it, indicating the aggressive
encounter was viewed not as a threat but as a reward.
When treated with drugs that suppressed their dopamine receptors, the mice looked to fight
less frequently, even though they were observed to be no less lethargic in their overall movements. “It’s well known that dopamine is produced in response
to rewarding stimuli such as food, sex, and drugs of abuse,” said Maria
Couppis, who conducted the study as her doctoral thesis. “What we have now
found is that it also serves as positive reinforcement for aggression.”
No word on whether any of the mice actually TALKED about Fight Club …
word on the street
more in this section
Gender Wage Gap Skewed By Survey Flaws
‘Orcas as Slaves’ Argument Sinks
The Perceived Delicacy of the Female Conductor
Prop Planes: The Future of Eco-Friendly Aviation?
House Puts Transportation in Partisan Crossfire
A Perennial Epicenter, Now for Same-Sex Marriage
Prop 8 May Be Same-Sex Couples’ Least Worry
EarthScope: A Seismic Shift in Data Gathering
Pressure to Conform Can Inspire Creativity
Learning to Read When a School System Falters
also by this author
Matt PalmquistA graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Matt Palmquist, a former Miller-McCune staff writer, began his career at daily ne...
Does This Make My Antenna Look Big?Researchers mix technology with fashion, analyze a pharaoh’s skin condition, measure the smarts of Scrabble players, and more in this edition of Miller-McCune’s “Cocktail Napkin.”
As if Commercials Weren’t Bad Enough AlreadyDo we really need to smell the items featured in TV programming? A materials expert has created a function for your TV or portable device that can generate thousands of odors.
The Exploitation of Muggles in Harry Potter’s WorldIn this edition of The Cocktail Napkin, we look academics’ fixation on the social and economic problems in the world of Harry Potter, and how music festivals impact the psychological and social well-being.
New Dinosaur Gets a Rather Large NameAs if being wiped out by a meteor wasn’t degrading enough, a charismatic dinosaur discovered in Utah gets a less-than-flattering name.
Time for Robin Hood to Make a ComebackResearchers from Nottingham University Business School say their survey proves it’s time for the city to re-embrace its most famous, albeit probably mythical, hero.
Receive 1 year (6 issues) of our print magazine for just $14.95. Miller-McCune features polished, in-depth reports on research and solutions across the policy spectrum — from health care, education and energy to international affairs, poverty and the global economy. It's a must read for well-informed and solutions-driven individuals.
follow us on:
join our newsletter:
from the source
A lot of people say they watch the Super Bowl mostly for the ads. But it turns out a good game surrounding those ads makes them seem better.
After decades of obstacles hindering the voting process, new laws will allow overseas and military voters to submit their votes in time for the 2012 election.
World health leaders announce coordinated push to eradicate or control neglected tropical diseases.
A survey of award-winning children’s picture books from 1938 to 2008 suggests our increasing estrangement from the natural environment.
Rather than moaning about too many cars on the road, the Ridesharing Institute says the real key to battling traffic congestion and pollution is filling empty passenger seats.
