Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Why do we fall in love? Why are parents so fiercely protective of their offspring? Like humans, do some animals grieve for lost mates?
Oxytocin and vasopressin hormonal systems of the brain – responsible for the so-called “tend-and-defend” mechanisms key to romantic and parental love, are neural drivers for the formation of strong, selective social bonds characteristic of pair-bonded adult mammal mates, including humans.
“These evolutionarily ancient hormones are synthesized by the brain and have become primary targets for the study of neural mechanisms of social bonding,” says Utah State University neuroendocrinologist Sara Freeman.
Freeman is among the first researchers in the world to conduct systematic investigations of coyote pair-bonding behavior and the neurochemical systems of the coyote brain. The assistant professor in USU’s Department of Biology recently secured a competitive $1.41M National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) grant, one of USU’s largest CAREER awards, to continue the research.
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Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
Why do we fall in love? Why are parents so fiercely protective of their offspring? Like humans, do some animals grieve for lost mates?
Oxytocin and vasopressin hormonal systems of the brain – responsible for the so-called “tend-and-defend” mechanisms key to romantic and parental love, are neural drivers for the formation of strong, selective social bonds characteristic of pair-bonded adult mammal mates, including humans.
“These evolutionarily ancient hormones are synthesized by the brain and have become primary targets for the study of neural mechanisms of social bonding,” says Utah State University neuroendocrinologist Sara Freeman.
Freeman is among the first researchers in the world to conduct systematic investigations of coyote pair-bonding behavior and the neurochemical systems of the coyote brain. The assistant professor in USU’s Department of Biology recently secured a competitive $1.41M National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) grant, one of USU’s largest CAREER awards, to continue the research.
–––––––––––
Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
