JERUSALEM, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Israeli scientists have discovered a small brain cell cluster that differs between females and males and changes with social and reproductive conditions, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem said in a statement on Sunday.
The cluster is located in the medial amygdala, a brain area important for social behavior, emotions, and reproduction.
In females, the cells are active under normal conditions, while in males, the cells are mostly inactive until triggered by major social or reproductive events, such as sexual contact. Before sexual maturity, males and females show similar activity.
The study highlighted how the brain adapts to life changes. Researchers found that this small cluster of neurons can "flip" its activity in response to social and reproductive experiences, showing how flexible the brain can be.
The findings may help scientists better understand parenting, bonding, emotional regulation, and why some brain disorders affect men and women differently, according to the statement. ■
