Jon Cavanaugh, a Ph.D. candidate in the psychology department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, will discuss how hormonal systems affect social interactions at the next Omaha Science Café at 7 p.m. on Feb. 6 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St.
Cavanaugh’s doctoral dissertation examines key neuroendocrine substrates that regulate the expression of social behavior across the lifespan in marmoset monkeys. Specifically, he studies how the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin regulate a host of behavioral processes that contribute to the preservation of long-term relationships.
He has studied how these hormonal systems affect complex social interactions between parents and offspring, among siblings, between mates, and between strangers, and has published his findings in a number of high-impact journals including Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, Psychoneuroendocrinology, and Hormones and Behavior.
Cavanaugh said his studies further demonstrate the importance of close social relationships, as well as the critical roles these hormones play in the regulation of physiological and social processes across the lifespan.
This Science Café is in partnership with the Bluebarn Theatre and their production of Venus in Fur.
Science Cafés involve a face-to-face conversation with a scientist about current science topics. They are open to everyone (21 and older) and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. A scientist gives a brief presentation followed by a Q-and-A period.
Pizza will be provided for the first 50 people. For more information about Science Cafes, go to www.unmc.edu/sciencecafe.
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