Neuroscience Reveals The Deep Power of Human Empathy

Without empathy, human beings are lonely, disconnected creatures.

And recent neuroscientific studies now demonstrate the enormous human capacity for empathy in the living mind.

Enormous capacity for friends:

“The correlation between self and friend was remarkably similar. The finding shows the brain’s remarkable capacity to model self to others; that people close to us become a part of ourselves, and that is not just metaphor or poetry, it’s very real. Literally we are under threat when a friend is under threat. But not so when a stranger is under threat.”

A lot of interesting ones, but here's a couple:

2.  Hidden Caves in the Brain Open Up During Sleep to Wash Away Toxins

A new study published in the prestigious journal, Science, found that the brain may wash away toxins built up over the day during sleep.

The research discovered “hidden caves” inside the brain, which open up during sleep, allowing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flush out potential neurotoxins, like β-amyloid, which has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

3.  Debunked: ‘Right-Brain’ and ‘Left-Brain’ Personalities

Evidence from over 1,000 fMRI brain scans finds no evidence people are ‘right-brained’ or ‘left-brained’.

That hidden caves theory is a fascinating one. Makes sense too.

This one was the most interesting to me:

7.  Social Rejection Triggers Release of Natural Painkillers in the Brain

Contrary to the old ‘sticks and stones’ saying, it seems words can and do hurt, and the brain responds accordingly.

A new study has found that the body produces natural painkillers in response to social rejection, just as if it had suffered a physical injury.

wow.  i found all of this amazing!  (the one about poor children having trouble coping as adults was heartbreaking though!)  and i love that holding the hand of a spouse, or just having them in the room, relieves the "threat response region" of the brain.  thanks for sharing.

You're welcome, Emily! We're always looking for more insight into the human brain.