Scott M. Weiss

TL;DR: Subordinates appear to show widespread changes in serotonin systems, with increased 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios in a number of brain areas, and alterations of 5-HT1A receptor binding at some sites, suggesting that subordination may be a particularly relevant model for investigating the behavioral, neural and endocrine correlates of chronic stress.

TL;DR: The VBS colony model appears to enable rat groups to produce natural, stress-engendering, social interactions that constitute a particularly relevant model for investigating the behavioral, neural, and endocrine correlates of chronic stress.

TL;DR: The results suggest that the production of ultrasonic vocalizations during and after exposure to a predator is greatly facilitated by the presence of familiar conspecifics, and may serve as alarm cries.

TL;DR: Analysis of a broad spectrum of defensive behaviors is being used to develop test batteries providing simplified models of these phenomena, with results indicating that the latter can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy.

TL;DR: In a straight alley containing a cat odor stimulus rats show high rates of risk assessment, including flat back approach and stretch attend behaviors oriented toward the threat stimulus and contact with the stimulus, and diazepam significantly reduced risk assessment measures, while not reliably altering control locomotion (curved back).