Baby bond hormone makes ‘instant best friends’

IT is the ‘love hormone’ that helps new mothers bond with their babies.

Now a study has shown oxytocin can also help spark affection between strangers.

In an experiment on grey seals, scientists discovered that newly-weaned pups injected with the drug instantly bonded after being introduced.

They were also less aggressive. Only small doses were needed to keep them ‘loved-up’ for two days in the experiment on the Isle of May nature reserve. This surprised scientists as the hormone clears quickly from the bloodstream.

Study leader Dr Kelly Robinson, of the University of St Andrews, wrote in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B that the jabs made the seals more sociable. She added: ‘Seals given oxytocin spent significantly more time in close proximity, confirming that oxytocin causes conspecifics [same species members] to seek others out and remain close. Aggressive and investigative behaviours also fell significantly.’

The study was described as the first test of the hormone on animals in the wild.

Oxytocin is released in large amounts when women give birth, helping them produce breast milk for the baby. Levels also rise when people hug a loved one. Researchers carried out the experiment on the island near the entrance to the Firth of Forth on 20 pups which they placed in two holding pens.

Pairs from different pens were given injections of oxytocin or salty water before being released back into the wild to be observed. Researchers said the study was conducted in a way that ensured no harm came to the seals.