Markus Wöhr
@markuswohr.bsky.social
Professor for Biological Psychology and Behavioral Pharmacology at KU Leuven, Belgium | Professor for Biological Psychology at Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany | #Humboldtian
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6986-5684
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6986-5684
Through applying advanced behavioral assessment including 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations as a marker for positive affect, @tianhuawang.bsky.social from the @wohrlab.bsky.social demonstrated that arousal and euphoria vastly depend on intact serotonergic neurotransmission. @britpharmsoc.bsky.social
November 28, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Through applying advanced behavioral assessment including 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations as a marker for positive affect, @tianhuawang.bsky.social from the @wohrlab.bsky.social demonstrated that arousal and euphoria vastly depend on intact serotonergic neurotransmission. @britpharmsoc.bsky.social
The party drug MDMA (“ecstasy”) shows promising efficacy as adjunct to psychotherapy. The psychostimulant with entactogenic properties is known to induce arousal and euphoria. We now studied the neurochemistry underlying the behavioral effects of MDMA in rats lacking serotonin in the brain.
November 28, 2025 at 9:17 AM
The party drug MDMA (“ecstasy”) shows promising efficacy as adjunct to psychotherapy. The psychostimulant with entactogenic properties is known to induce arousal and euphoria. We now studied the neurochemistry underlying the behavioral effects of MDMA in rats lacking serotonin in the brain.
Great poster presentation on placebo effects in a rat model for depression by Dr. Nadine Faesel at the @sfb-trr-289.bsky.social retreat. Congrats, Nadine! It was an inspiring retreat. A big thanks to @ulrikebingel.bsky.social and team.
November 21, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Great poster presentation on placebo effects in a rat model for depression by Dr. Nadine Faesel at the @sfb-trr-289.bsky.social retreat. Congrats, Nadine! It was an inspiring retreat. A big thanks to @ulrikebingel.bsky.social and team.
Our Behavioural Brain Research special issue on Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents is growing, rapidly – and actually a lot faster than I manage to post about it. Nine new manuscripts got accepted since my last post. Quite impressive work. Check it out:
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
November 6, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Our Behavioural Brain Research special issue on Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents is growing, rapidly – and actually a lot faster than I manage to post about it. Nine new manuscripts got accepted since my last post. Quite impressive work. Check it out:
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
Thanks for joining @bdalile.bsky.social! For the great science and of course the amazing food. Soon to be listed in the Guide Michelin, I guess.
September 20, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Thanks for joining @bdalile.bsky.social! For the great science and of course the amazing food. Soon to be listed in the Guide Michelin, I guess.
New team member! Very happy to welcome Henry Werk who is joining the @wohrlab.bsky.social @unimarburg.bsky.social site. He will study the effects of lithium in rat models for mania, integrating brain and behavior through recording 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations. Looking forward to exciting science.
September 15, 2025 at 10:09 AM
New team member! Very happy to welcome Henry Werk who is joining the @wohrlab.bsky.social @unimarburg.bsky.social site. He will study the effects of lithium in rat models for mania, integrating brain and behavior through recording 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations. Looking forward to exciting science.
Fabrice de Chaumont et al. showcase how the integration of ultrasound recording and behavioral analysis can provide novel insight into mouse social behavior, linking ultrasonic calling to urination behavior.
Another great contribution to our special issue:
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
Another great contribution to our special issue:
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
September 12, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Fabrice de Chaumont et al. showcase how the integration of ultrasound recording and behavioral analysis can provide novel insight into mouse social behavior, linking ultrasonic calling to urination behavior.
Another great contribution to our special issue:
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
Another great contribution to our special issue:
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
Another highlight of the @dfg.de-funded RTG2271 Breaking Expectations retreat: Susan Sangha’s talk on behavioral and neural mechanisms of safety learning. Thank you, @sanghalab.bsky.social! Super inspiring!
September 12, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Another highlight of the @dfg.de-funded RTG2271 Breaking Expectations retreat: Susan Sangha’s talk on behavioral and neural mechanisms of safety learning. Thank you, @sanghalab.bsky.social! Super inspiring!
Perfect combination: Good weather, beautiful mountains, and awesome science – retreat of the @dfg.de-funded RTG2271 Breaking Expectations. Thanks to @parnian-saberi.bsky.social from the @wohrlab.bsky.social for her inspiring talk on serotonin and expectancy violations.
September 6, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Perfect combination: Good weather, beautiful mountains, and awesome science – retreat of the @dfg.de-funded RTG2271 Breaking Expectations. Thanks to @parnian-saberi.bsky.social from the @wohrlab.bsky.social for her inspiring talk on serotonin and expectancy violations.
Serotonin deficiency in the brain leads to deficits in mother-offspring interaction, maternal affiliation, and social adjustment. Can this be rescued by early social enrichment? New study led by @tianhuawang.bsky.social @unimarburg.bsky.social. Thanks to all collaborators. doi.org/10.1016/j.pn...
August 25, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Serotonin deficiency in the brain leads to deficits in mother-offspring interaction, maternal affiliation, and social adjustment. Can this be rescued by early social enrichment? New study led by @tianhuawang.bsky.social @unimarburg.bsky.social. Thanks to all collaborators. doi.org/10.1016/j.pn...
Good news! Brian Knutson contributed a truly special article to our Behavioural Brain Research special issue on Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents:
How we stumbled upon the rat play vocalizations: A recollection
A true tale of scientific serendipity!
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
How we stumbled upon the rat play vocalizations: A recollection
A true tale of scientific serendipity!
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
August 13, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Good news! Brian Knutson contributed a truly special article to our Behavioural Brain Research special issue on Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents:
How we stumbled upon the rat play vocalizations: A recollection
A true tale of scientific serendipity!
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
How we stumbled upon the rat play vocalizations: A recollection
A true tale of scientific serendipity!
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
Good news! Our Behavioural Brain Research special issue on "Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents" is growing. Two new studies are available online!
2) Report on the effects on paracetamol on behavioral and emotional responses displayed by rats in the orofacial formalin test
2) Report on the effects on paracetamol on behavioral and emotional responses displayed by rats in the orofacial formalin test
August 1, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Good news! Our Behavioural Brain Research special issue on "Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents" is growing. Two new studies are available online!
2) Report on the effects on paracetamol on behavioral and emotional responses displayed by rats in the orofacial formalin test
2) Report on the effects on paracetamol on behavioral and emotional responses displayed by rats in the orofacial formalin test
Good news! Our Behavioural Brain Research special issue on "Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents" is growing. Two new studies are available online!
1) Report on stress vulnerability in rats characterized by low positive affect as assessed through 50-kHz calls
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
1) Report on stress vulnerability in rats characterized by low positive affect as assessed through 50-kHz calls
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
August 1, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Good news! Our Behavioural Brain Research special issue on "Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents" is growing. Two new studies are available online!
1) Report on stress vulnerability in rats characterized by low positive affect as assessed through 50-kHz calls
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
1) Report on stress vulnerability in rats characterized by low positive affect as assessed through 50-kHz calls
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
Made it! About 750 km from Ulm (Germany) to the Heldenplatz in Wien (Heroes‘ Square, Vienna, Austria). By bike along the Donau (Danube). On time for the meeting of the International Society for Serotonin Research. Looking forward to learn about the most recent serotonin research from the experts.
July 6, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Made it! About 750 km from Ulm (Germany) to the Heldenplatz in Wien (Heroes‘ Square, Vienna, Austria). By bike along the Donau (Danube). On time for the meeting of the International Society for Serotonin Research. Looking forward to learn about the most recent serotonin research from the experts.
On the way to the meeting of the International Society for Serotonin Research in Wien (Vienna). With the bike along the Donau (Danube). First 300 km from Ulm to Regensburg. Done! Let’s see whether I arrive on time for the meeting in Wien.
July 2, 2025 at 6:20 AM
On the way to the meeting of the International Society for Serotonin Research in Wien (Vienna). With the bike along the Donau (Danube). First 300 km from Ulm to Regensburg. Done! Let’s see whether I arrive on time for the meeting in Wien.
Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the @eraneuron.bsky.social MINERVA consortium on microglia/neuron crosstalk in autism – @leuvenbrainins.bsky.social, with amazing collaborators: Tarja Malm, Carsten Culmsee, Judith Alferink, Laura Ricceri! Exciting meeting @unimarburg.bsky.social!
June 24, 2025 at 6:32 AM
Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the @eraneuron.bsky.social MINERVA consortium on microglia/neuron crosstalk in autism – @leuvenbrainins.bsky.social, with amazing collaborators: Tarja Malm, Carsten Culmsee, Judith Alferink, Laura Ricceri! Exciting meeting @unimarburg.bsky.social!
Inspiring @eraneuron.bsky.social MINERVA meeting @unimarburg.bsky.social with great presentations by Carsten Wotjak from @boehringerglobal.bsky.social and Theresa Kisko from @wohrlab.bsky.social (KU Leuven). Thanks to Carsten Culmsee for making this happen!
June 24, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Inspiring @eraneuron.bsky.social MINERVA meeting @unimarburg.bsky.social with great presentations by Carsten Wotjak from @boehringerglobal.bsky.social and Theresa Kisko from @wohrlab.bsky.social (KU Leuven). Thanks to Carsten Culmsee for making this happen!
Can we study placebo effects in rodents? At the @sipsplacebo.bsky.social ECR Summer School in Kraków, Poland, I was proposing that we can do so by using ultrasonic vocalizations as a key element of the anticipatory response. Thanks for the great round table discussions, @sfb-trr-289.bsky.social!
June 23, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Can we study placebo effects in rodents? At the @sipsplacebo.bsky.social ECR Summer School in Kraków, Poland, I was proposing that we can do so by using ultrasonic vocalizations as a key element of the anticipatory response. Thanks for the great round table discussions, @sfb-trr-289.bsky.social!
Very much enjoyed a couple of days in Kraków, Poland: Stimulating scientific discussions on serotonin with Prof. Dr. Piotr Popik from the Maj Institute of Pharmacology. There is still a lot to learn! And thanks to Renata for a super interesting historical city tour. It was fun.
June 20, 2025 at 7:32 AM
Very much enjoyed a couple of days in Kraków, Poland: Stimulating scientific discussions on serotonin with Prof. Dr. Piotr Popik from the Maj Institute of Pharmacology. There is still a lot to learn! And thanks to Renata for a super interesting historical city tour. It was fun.
Good news! Our Behavioural Brain Research special issue on "Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents" is growing.
New study reports on how maternal immune activation alters bout structure of rat 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations:
sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
New study reports on how maternal immune activation alters bout structure of rat 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations:
sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
May 31, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Good news! Our Behavioural Brain Research special issue on "Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents" is growing.
New study reports on how maternal immune activation alters bout structure of rat 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations:
sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
New study reports on how maternal immune activation alters bout structure of rat 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations:
sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
Good news! First publication available!
Behavioural Brain Research special issue on "Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents":
The study reports on a cooperatively breeding mouse that shows flexible use of its vocal repertoire according to social context:
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
Behavioural Brain Research special issue on "Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents":
The study reports on a cooperatively breeding mouse that shows flexible use of its vocal repertoire according to social context:
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
May 1, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Good news! First publication available!
Behavioural Brain Research special issue on "Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents":
The study reports on a cooperatively breeding mouse that shows flexible use of its vocal repertoire according to social context:
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
Behavioural Brain Research special issue on "Ultrasonic Communication in Rodents":
The study reports on a cooperatively breeding mouse that shows flexible use of its vocal repertoire according to social context:
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
International Winter Neuroscience Conference in Sölden, AT: Very much enjoyed our joint social behavior symposium and learnt a lot from @eknapska.bsky.social, @labpapaleo.bsky.social, and @valeriagazzola.bsky.social. Amazing work on emotion recognition, social learning, and pro-social behavior.
April 15, 2025 at 8:13 AM
International Winter Neuroscience Conference in Sölden, AT: Very much enjoyed our joint social behavior symposium and learnt a lot from @eknapska.bsky.social, @labpapaleo.bsky.social, and @valeriagazzola.bsky.social. Amazing work on emotion recognition, social learning, and pro-social behavior.
Only a few days after her arrival @wohrlab.bsky.social, @saramejiachavez.bsky.social (with Theresa Kisko) started to analyze ultrasonic vocalizations in rats. Living in social groups in semi-natural environments gives rats a lot of opportunities to display their rich social behavior repertoire.
March 18, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Only a few days after her arrival @wohrlab.bsky.social, @saramejiachavez.bsky.social (with Theresa Kisko) started to analyze ultrasonic vocalizations in rats. Living in social groups in semi-natural environments gives rats a lot of opportunities to display their rich social behavior repertoire.
New team member! Very happy to welcome @saramejiachavez.bsky.social who is joining the @wohrlab.bsky.social and our efforts to better understand neurobiological mechanisms underlying socio-affective communication through ultrasonic vocalizations in rodents @leuvenbrainins.bsky.social at KU Leuven.
March 17, 2025 at 8:23 AM
New team member! Very happy to welcome @saramejiachavez.bsky.social who is joining the @wohrlab.bsky.social and our efforts to better understand neurobiological mechanisms underlying socio-affective communication through ultrasonic vocalizations in rodents @leuvenbrainins.bsky.social at KU Leuven.