Short Wave Does Your Dog REALLY Love You?
Dec 2, 2019
Clive Wynne, founding director of the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University and author of "Dog Is Love," shares insights into the emotional bonds between dogs and humans. He discusses groundbreaking MRI research revealing that dogs react more strongly to their owners than to food. Wynne also explains the role of oxytocin—the love hormone—in deepening this connection, showcasing how mutual eye contact boosts these levels. He dives into the genetic basis of canine affection, comparing dog and wolf DNA to highlight dogs' unique sociability.
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Dog Names
- Maddie Sofia's dog, Ellie, was named by her immunology department.
- Her full name is Eliza, short for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Dogs in MRI Machines
- Gregory Burns trained dogs to stay still in MRI machines, a feat previously only achieved with humans.
- This allowed him to study their brain activity in response to various stimuli, including food and their owners.
Reward Centers
- A study showed dogs' reward centers light up more for their owners than for food.
- This suggests dogs prioritize their human bond over basic needs.
