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Research suggests social memory formation is regulated by an oxytocin-sensitive brain circuit in a seahorse-shaped area of the brain. Photo: iStock/Bim

Study in mice reveals an oxytocin-fueled brain circuit that regulates social recognition. The results shed light on brain’s ability to sort out confusion by reconciling conflicting social stimuli. How do we recognize others? How do we know friend from foe, threat from reward? How does the brain compute the multitude of cues telling us that Susan is not Erica even though they look alike? The complexity of social interactions – human as well as mammalian – has mystified brain researchers for decades.

Now a new study conducted in mice by regenerative neuroscientists at Harvard Medical School, the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Massachusetts G...