NCCR-Synapsy

The Synaptic Bases of Mental Diseases

How social rank can trigger vulnerability to stress

mice in nest

EPFL scientists have identified rank in social hierarchies as a major determining factor for vulnerability to chronic stress. They also show that energy metabolism in the brain is a predictive biomarker for social status as well as stress vulnerability and Read more…


Hierarchy in animals: Anxiety can kill your social status

Anxiety cells

Mitochondria in the neurons of the nucleus accumbens. Neuroscientists at EPFL identify a brain region that links anxious temperament to low social status. The researchers were able to tweak social hierarchy in animals by using vitamin B3. There are important Read more…