Communication is an important feature of our lives as humans. It is also important for cells within the brain called neurons. Neurons communicate through special chemicals, called neurotransmitters, and these chemicals can impact the way we interact with the world around us. One neurotransmitter that has been overlooked is histamine, but it likely has important functions in the brain. Researchers Xu & Pittenger investigate how histamine might interact with other neurotransmitter systems, such as dopamine, bringing us one step closer to understanding the mystery of histamine.

Love. Bonding. Attachment. These are powerful emotions that are present in so many people’s lives, and also many different animal species. But how do these emotions come about and what is the role our brain plays in behaviors associated with these emotions? In a recent paper by Kristen Berendzen and colleagues, the role of oxytocin, an important hormone and neurotransmitter, in behaviors associated with bonding and social attachment is assessed.