Scientists at the University of Chicago have published a study describing "empathy-driven helping behavior" in rats. The study claims that rats "acted more agitated" when they saw their cage-mates being restrained, and when placed in the same cage as their trapped companions, rats would teach themselves how to open the restrainer and free their friends. They would even choose to free their friends over eating a pile of chocolate! Around 50% of the time, that is, but still pretty charitable for a rat.
Pro-social helping behavior (behavior motivated by empathy) has been observed in non-human primates, but this is the first time such behavior has been studied in rodents. It indicates that empathy is not limited to just humans and our closest evolutionary cousins.
"When we act without empathy we are acting against our biological inheritance," said study co-author Peggy Mason. "If humans would listen and act on their biological inheritance more often, we'd be better off."
Helping Your Fellow Rat: Rodents Show Empathy-Driven Behavior [Univ. of Chicago] [via ScienceDaily]
- Readers' Comments (0)
Sorry, comments are not allowed for this post.
- Museum Hours
-
- Extended hours through Labor Day:
Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. - Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Extended hours through Labor Day:
- Museum Location
- Getting Here
subscribe to RSSCategories
- Art and Culture (3)
- Attitude and Behavior (9)
- Chemistry (9)
- Computer and Digital Technology (7)
- Earth Science (6)
- Education and Policy (4)
- Energy (5)
- Engineering (8)
- Environment and Sustainability (9)
- Health and Medicine (17)
- Manufacturing and Industry (7)
- Math (2)
- Museums (2)
- Physics (8)
- Space and Astronomy (16)
- Technology (18)
- Transportation (3)
- Happening Now
-
-
Animal Inside Out
A stunning look inside the animal kingdom from the creators of BODY WORLDS.
-
The Last Reef
Take a thrilling underwater journey to explore the beauty and mysteries of coral reefs.
-
Space Junk
A visually stunning exploration of our planet's perilous ring of orbiting debris.
-
- Coming Soon
-
-
Building a Century of Progress
Revisit the memorable architectural and visual design of Chicago's 1933 World's Fair.
-
Exploring the White City [SOLD OUT]
Tim Samuelson and Lisa M. Snyder present a virtual tour of the 1893 Columbian Exposition.
-
The Wooded Isle and Gardens of the World's Fair
Cathy Maloney discusses the gardens of the World's Fairs and tours the Wooded Isle.
-
contact us
Write the team behind the blog with your questions or comments.