A neural switch for becoming alpha male

Researchers have identified a neural circuit in the brains of mice that plays a role in social dominance. Stimulating the neurons in this circuit significantly boosted a mouse’s chance of becoming the “winner” during aggressive encounters with other mice. Many species in the animal kingdom compete with each other to form a system of social hierarchy. From this hierarchy, a phenomenon called the “winner effect” has been observed, whereby each victory against a peer increases the victor’s probability of winning the next social dominance showdown.