Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have identified neurons that are essential for mice to engage in social interactions with novel individuals. These neurons, which are located in the central nucleus of the amygdala, express a receptor called NPBWR1. Additionally, this study reveals that genetic polymorphisms in the human NPBWR1 gene influence social behavior when people interact with strangers.

The team’s findings have potential applications in photonics and memory devices.