Science
Study finds fewer estrogen receptor neurons in tame foxes' brains
Scientific American reports that tame foxes from a Russian breeding project had fewer estrogen receptor alpha neurons in a brain region tied to aggression.
The short version
- Russian researchers began selectively breeding foxes toward domesticated, doglike traits in the 1950s.[Scientific American]
- A November 2 Current Biology study found tame foxes had notably fewer estrogen receptor alpha neurons than aggressive or conventional foxes.[Scientific American]
- A receptor protein in a brain region tied to fear and aggression may underlie the foxes' social behavior, a link that remains unconfirmed.[Scientific American]
Key facts
- Russian researchers began selectively breeding foxes to become domesticated, doglike animals in the 1950s.[Scientific American]
- A study published on November 2 in Current Biology reported that tame foxes had notably fewer estrogen receptor alpha neurons than aggressive or conventional foxes.[Scientific American]
- The ventromedial hypothalamus is known to be involved in fear and defense responses and aggression.[Scientific American]
- A receptor protein in the ventromedial hypothalamus may form the basis for the foxes' social behavior.[Scientific American]
- Cheryl Rosenfeld, a University of Missouri neuroscientist who was not involved in the study, says the work addresses a core question about how brains are programmed in animals.[Scientific American]
What remains uncertain
- The receptor's role in social behavior is described as possible rather than established, based on the reporting of one study.[Scientific American]
- The reporting does not establish the genetic mechanisms that produce these brain differences during development.[Scientific American]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- This brain change can make foxes act like pet dogsScientific American metered