Aggression is often seen as a bad thing, leading to problems like fighting and violence.
But aggression is a natural behavior found in many animals, including humans. It can be important for survival.
The key is figuring out how to manage and guide aggression in a positive way.
It can be useful
A recent study with mice suggests that interactions between neurons and glial cells in the cerebellum influence aggression.
This discovery opens the door to potential therapies that adjust glial activity to help control anger and aggression.
Specialists have started recognizing the cerebellum's role in things other than just movement, like how we socialize.
If the cerebellum isn't working right, it can lead to difficulties in social interactions seen in disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
How it was discovered
Scientists focused on a specific part of the cerebellum called the vermis, which is linked to aggression in humans.
They explored if Bergmann glial cells in this area play a role in regulating aggression in mice.
Using a mouse fight model, the researchers found that the activity of glial cells in the cerebellum changed based on who was winning or losing in a fight.
When they stimulated these glial cells with light, it caused a change in brain activity and led to fights breaking up sooner.
It might be helpful
Future strategies for taming aggression could involve adjusting the activity of these glial cells in the cerebellum.
It's like tapping into the natural ability of these cells to promote a more peaceful world without social conflicts.
Previously, we've talked about couples psychotherapy.
