How a hormone helps animals recognise each other by smell

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have pinpointed how a key hormone, known as vasopressin, helps animals recognise each other by their smell.

The new study into how animals bond with each other could shed light on the causes of autism and anxiety disorders, scientists believe.

Researchers said the study may help understand the way humans make emotional connections with each other, reports The Scotsman.

To reach the conclusion, researchers, working with scientists in Germany and Japan, studied the way rats familiarize themselves with other rats using their sense of smell.

Professor Mike Ludwig, who led the research, said: "This study gives us a window into understanding the biological basis of social interactions.

"Normally, vasopressin supports the forming of 'social memories'. But if it is lost, disturbed, or interrupted then the animals are unable to recognise other individuals by their odour.

"Some studies, including ours, suggest that when the vasopressin system in the brain is not working properly, it may prevent people from forming deep emotional bonds with other individuals, or might underlie conditions such as autism and social phobia."