How can friends support my brain health?

Advice from Salk neuroscientist Kay Tye, PhD  Social interactions are among the most stimulating and important forms of engagement that the brain can experience. When we communicate and socialize with one another, our brains release oxytocin, often called the bonding hormone, which activates reward centers and helps build trust and emotional connection. Because humans are naturally social, these interactions play a key role in maintaining brain health and cognitive function as we age.  In 2020, my lab conducted a study on a small brain region called the substantia nigra because of its role in social interaction. This region helps control dopamine production, which affects motivation, emotions, reward, and the ability to connect with others socially. During the study, we found that humans crave social interaction when they are lonely in much the same way they crave food when they are hungry. That finding showed me just how deeply social connection is built into human biology. Meaningful social experiences also help create new neural pathways by exposing the brain to unfamiliar ideas, emotions, and problem-solving situations that keep the mind active and healthy.  On the other hand, social isolation can seriously affect both mental and physical health. Without enough social interaction…

Rooted in Community: Plant Swap in the Grove

The Grove was buzzing with conversation, greenery, and community spirit as employees gathered for Salk’s recent plant swap. From fig trees to succulents and Venus flytraps from Salk’s Harnessing Plants Initiative (HPI), staff from across campus exchanged plants, cuttings, propagations, pots, soil, and gardening tips, transforming the space into a vibrant hub for connection and collaboration. Participants from longtime plant enthusiasts to first-time growers shared stories, traded advice, and expanded their collections while building new relationships across departments.  Cold-pressed juice courtesy of Engagement & Wellbeing and sunny weather made the afternoon a refreshing pause in the workday and a reminder of the strong community that continues to grow across campus. The swap emulated the spirit of HPI, which explores how plants can help address global challenges through innovative science. Founded in 2017, the initiative is rooted in the idea that enhancing plants’ natural abilities can support healthier ecosystems, more resilient agriculture, and long-term environmental sustainability.  By creating space for informal connection and knowledge-sharing, the plant swap fostered a sense of belonging and encouraged employees to learn from one another outside of the lab.