Karen L. Bales, Ph.D.

Neuroscience and Behavior Unit
Unit Leader

Professor 
Department of Psychology
University of California, Davis

Dr. Bales’ research program focuses on the neurobiology of social behavior, and how human manipulations of the hormone oxytocin may affect the long-term ability to form social bonds. In addition, she studies the ways in which oxytocin and the closely related hormone arginine vasopressin subserve these social bonds. Dr. Bales works with two socially monogamous species, prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus).

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Visit Dr. Bales’ UC Davis webpage

Children's Health

Dr. Bales is investigating the long-term effects of the application of oxytocin, which is currently being used in young children to correct social deficiencies with Autism Spectrum Disorder.