Send us a text How internal states like hunger and hormones shape instinctive behaviors, particularly parental care Episode Summary: Dr. Johannes Kohl explains instinctive behaviors in mammals, emphasizing how states like hunger and hormonal cycles modulate actions such as parental care; they discuss hypothalamic circuits, hormone integration, and pregnancy-induced brain changes, highlighting the balance between motivations like feeding and nurturing offspring. About the guest: Jonny Kohl, PhD heads the State-Dependent Neural Processing Lab at the Francis Crick Institute in London. Discussion Points: Instinctive behaviors: Pre-wired actions like escaping predators or parental care enable survival without learning, yet remain modifiable by experience and internal states. Internal states: Defined as slowly changing conditions (minutes to weeks) like hunger or hormonal fluctuations that influence brain processing & behavior prioritization. Hunger regulation: Hypothalamic AGRP neurons detect caloric deficits, creating motivational discomfort relieved by food anticipation, operating on multiple timescales via neurotransmitters & peptides. Parental care: Virgin mice show variable pup-directed behaviors; hunger increases aggression, modulated by estrous cycle hormone ratios (estradiol/progesterone). Hormone-brain interactions: Steroid hormones like estradiol and progesterone diffuse into the brain, altering gene expression, neuronal excitability, and circuit plasticity over short and long timescales. Pregnancy adaptations: Late pregnancy rewires MPOA circuits via surging hormones, preparing robust maternal behavior before birth (anticipatory brain plasticity). Practical Takeaways: Recognize hunger’s impact: Mild food deprivation can heighten irritability or aggression, which can affect social interactions. Consider hormonal influences: Cyclical hormone changes affect mood and motivation; tracking cycles may help predict and manage behavioral shifts. Prioritize self-care in parenting: Sleep and nutrition deficits mimic hunger states, potentially reducing patience; ensure rest and meals to support nurturing behaviors. Question chronic hormone use: Long-term interventions like birth control or testosterone can alter brain function; weigh benefits against potential side effects. *Not medical advice. Support the show Affiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru : Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout : Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra —Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts
