The effect of sex hormones on the brain is the subject of EARA’s latest #TransparencyThursday video – watch it here on YouTube.

In the Q&A, originally published on EARA’s Instagram, Dario Aspesi, at the University of Guelph, Canada, tells us about why he uses mice in his research and how sex hormones can regulate social behaviour.

Dario explained how he infuses the hormones into specific regions of the brain, “Mice are a really great model because they express an amazing repertoire of social behaviours,” he said.

His work is relevant to people, not only because mice mimic some of the social behaviours seen in humans, such as aggression, but also because it can benefit those who are exposed to hormone therapies – such as cancer treatments, gender affirmation procedures and contraception.

Asked why it is important for scientists to speak openly about animal research, he said: “It is part of our mission as scientists to share what we do, so people can understand why and how we use animals, and to show that we do that in the most ethical and respectful way possible.”

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