Psychobiology

Research in the Yerkes Division of Psychobiology examines physiological and environmental factors that regulate social behavior and the reciprocal relationship between behavior and brain function. Researchers at both the main center and the Yerkes field station are conducting studies on a variety of topics based on the social structure of primate society, including aggression, affiliation, reproduction, communication, learning development, growth and maternal behavior.

Chief of Psychobiology Mark Wilson, PhD, focuses his research on a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences that may affect growth and puberty. He also studies how social variables affect female reproductive health and whether reproduction difficulties negatively affect the physical and emotional well-being of females. Wilson's recent research on selective estrogen receptor modulators may one day lead to more effective hormone replacement therapies in post-menopausal women.

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