Appetite. Aggression. Puberty. Parenthood. Even 48-hour prairie vole mating marathons. Is there anything the hypothalamus isn’t involved in? In Episode 5 (Part 1) of Leafing Through Science, Hedi is joined by neuroendocrinologist Gareth Leng, author of “The Heart of the Brain: The Hypothalamus and Its Hormones”.

From the “love hormone” and maternal bonding, to why your brain is more like a quantum computer, discover the brain’s secret hormonal languages that drive your behaviour and keep you alive.

Every two weeks, the new podcast series Leafing Through Science brings together host Hedi Young, Champalimaud Foundation neuroscientist and science communicator, with the authors behind some of the most fascinating non-fiction books in the life sciences. From new releases to timeless classics, we explore everything from the mysteries of consciousness and free will, to alien hands and minds under siege. Expect page-turning ideas, head-spinning science, and stories that might just change how you see the world – and yourself.

Relevant links

“The Heart of the Brain: The Hypothalamus and Its Hormones”

More about Gareth

Chapters:

(00:00) The Hypothalamus: All Human Life Is There

(01:06) Introduction

(02:19) "Let me know when you’ve found something interesting"

(06:52) From Heresy to Nobel Prizes: the Birth of Neuroendocrinology

(10:34) Behaviour: From Primal Drives to Profound Bonds

(12:59) Clans of the Hypothalamus

(15:41) Whispers and Public Announcements

(18:02) Why Connections Aren’t the Whole Story

(20:04) Is the Brain a Quantum Computer?

(22:47) Shakespeare and Peptides

(24:46) Same Hormone, Different Message: The Many Lives of Oxytocin

(29:26) Beyond the Love Hormone: Breastfeeding, Birth and Bonding

(34:15) From Sex to Attachment: Voles and Valentines

(40:03) Vasopressin and the Making of a Monogamous Male

(45:13) The Hypothalamus: His and Hers

(46:11) Pulse and Surge: The Rhythm of Reproduction

(50:38) Kisspeptin Enters the Story

(56:12) Sexual Rejection and Fertility

(58:40) Wrapping Up

Credits

Creator & Series Producer: Hedi Young

Concept Development & Curation: Ana Rita Mendes, António Monteiro, Carla Emilie Pereira, Catarina Ramos, Diana Cadete, Hedi Young, João Van Zelst, John Lee, Marta Correia, Thaïs Lindemann and Teresa Fernandes

Host: Hedi Young

Guest: Gareth Leng

Graphic Design: Marta Correia

Sound Design: João Van Zelst

Dissemination: Ana Rita Mendes and Diana Cadete

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Champalimaud Foundation.