Latest Study Shows Rodents Feel Empathy Toward Each Other

Being empathetic is a trait closely associated with humans and other animals such as dogs and dolphins. However, according to a latest research published in the US Journal Science, rodents also display empathy when another rodent is hurt or in need.

Based on a given report by The Sun Daily, the study conducted by the Yerkes National Primate Research Center at the Emory University revealed that these rodents have the capacity to empathize with another. The scientists made use of prairie voles, a type of rodent known for having a long-term monogamous relationship.

In the study, the scientists administered mild shocks to one of the prairie voles then allow it to return to its mate. The unhurt mate immediately proceeded to lick the fur of the one subjected to the shocks. On the other hand, the mate of those pairs that were only separated without one of them being exposed to shocks did not do anything upon the return of the separated pair. Still another amazing discovery was that paired prairie voles who did not know each other previously, did not exhibit the same consoling behavior.

It was found out that the hormone oxytocin was the one responsible for this consoling behavior in rodents. When the researchers blocked the said hormone, the animals no longer empathized with the other animal.

The scientists are now looking at the study as a basis in exploring the role of oxytocin in treating autism, a behavior associated with inability of sensing other people's emotions.

According to one of the co-authors of the study, Larry Young, "Many complex human traits have their roots in fundamental brain processes that are shared among many other species."

Live Science has also reported that the University of Chicago has previously conducted a similar study showing the empathetic behavior of rats. The lead author in that study, Peggy Mason, said that the ability of humans to empathize is actually common in other mammals.