12. Oxytocin: The ‘Empathy’ Hormone at Work
Delving into the neurobiology behind these rescue acts, scientists found that oxytocin-releasing neurons in specific brain regions play a pivotal role.
When these neurons were activated, mice were far more likely to perform rescue behaviors; when blocked, such actions diminished sharply.
This discovery mirrors oxytocin’s well-established role in human social bonding and empathy, as discussed in Scientific American.
It suggests a shared biological basis for compassion across species.