Podcast

In this episode, Emily O’Sullivan (Haverford ’19) teaches us about fish that can rapidly change their sex in response to changes in their social environment. As part of this, she tells us about a study in Blueheaded Wrasses, a species of fish in which females can change into males, and some males pretend to be … Continue reading Episode 5: Hook, Line, and Sneakers

In this episode, Marina Kheyfets (Haverford ’21) explores whether pheromonal communication influences sexual behavior in humans. As part of this, she tells us about a study in which men and women were exposed to possible human sex pheromones and then asked to rate photographs of faces for their attractiveness and possible “sexual unfaithfulness” (Hare et … Continue reading Episode 6: Romance is in the Air… But Can You Smell It?

In this episode, Jessica Kahng (Bryn Mawr ’20) talks about how male goldfish use vision to guide their mating behavior (Lord et al., 2009, Hormones and Behavior). Jessica uses this as a jumping off point to think about the use of the terms ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ in science: What do they mean? When should they … Continue reading Episode 7: Fishing for Politics

In this episode, Jason Gao (Haverford ’20) tells us about the sex lives of Octopuses! As part of this, he discusses the role of the olfactory system in regulating mate choice (Di Cristo et al., 2008, Peptides). Jason will convince you that not only are octopuses an appropriate model organism in which to study the … Continue reading Episode 8: In An Octopus’s Garden

In this episode, Eric Klein (Haverford ’21) discusses how different neurotransmitter systems in the brain influence sexual behavior. As part of this, Eric talks about the role of oxytocin, including how oxytocin receptor expression can play a role in regulating not only sexual behavior, but also anxiety (Bale et al., 2001, Journal of Neuroscience). You … Continue reading Episode 9: Do We Have Chemistry?

In this episode, Emma Pinsky (Bryn Mawr ’20) talks about sexual dysfunction in females. As part of this, she discusses how anti-depressant drugs that cause sexual side effects can provide clues into the neurochemical underpinnings of female sexual dysfunction (Abbasinazaria et al., 2018, Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research). Using this as a jumping off point, … Continue reading Episode 10: Female Sexual Dysfunction: Of Mice and Women

In this episode, Maria Padron (Haverford ’19) talks about critical periods for hormone action during the development of the brain. As part of this, she discusses a study showing that gonadal hormones masculinize and defeminize reproductive behaviors during puberty in male Syrian hamsters (Schulz et al., 2004, Hormones and Behavior). Can this help us understand … Continue reading Episode 11: XOXO, Gossip Girl

In this episode, Hassan Ahamed (Haverford ’19) leaves the brain to dive into the spinal cord. As part of this, Hassan tells us about a spinal nucleus called the bulbocavernosus, a part of spinal cord that is larger in males than in females and plays an important role in male sexual reflexes. Tune in to … Continue reading Episode 12: Bet You Can’t say “Bulbocavernosus” Five Times Fast!

In this episode, Leily Behbehani (Haverford ’21) follows up on last week’s episode about the neurobiology of ejaculation, but this time focuses on neurochemistry in humans. In particular, she talks about a study that measured levels of hormones and neurotransmitters in blood samples taken from men at various time points during sexual arousal and ejaculation … Continue reading Episode 13: All You Need is Love (and Vasopressin)

In this episode, Betty Xu (Bryn Mawr ’20) talks about what comes AFTER sex for many organisms: offspring! As part of this, she tells us about a study that examined brain activation in mother mice while they were nursing their pups (Oláh et al., 2017, Brain Structure and Function). What can we learn from this … Continue reading Episode 14: And Baby Makes Three…Or Ten, If You’re a Mouse!