Scientists find out the brain’s ‘share’ button

In a finding that feels straight out of sci-fi novel, researchers from the University of Zurich say they may have discovered a way to briefly dial down selfishness – by stimulating specific areas of the brain. At the UZH, 44 participants were asked to split money between themselves and an anonymous partner. With only seconds to decide, they could keep more cash or share generously. As they chose, a mild electrical stimulation was applied to the frontal lobe and parietal lobe of the brain, prompting cells to fire in specific rhythms. When higher frequency gamma stimulation (40–90Hz) was used, participants seemed to be more likely of making altruistic choices and offer more money to the other person – even if it meant less for themselves.

Rewiring generosity

Evidence from the study indicates that targeted stimulation can shape prosocial behaviour. Co-author Jie Hu from East China Normal University reportedly said, “When we altered communication in a specific brain network using targeted, non-invasive stimulation, people’s sharing decisions changed in a consistent way – shifting how they balanced their own interests against others.” Professor Christian Ruff added: “We identified a pattern of communication between brain regions tied to altruistic choices. This deepens our understanding of how the brain underpins social decisions and paves the way for research on cooperation, particularly where outcomes rely on collective effort.”

The neuroscience of giving

The effects were short-lived, but researchers say this could help develop tools to improve social functioning in certain psychiatric conditions. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Inside Science, Christian Ruff, a professor of neuroeconomics from the universirty said that a lasting impact would likely require repeated sessions. Comparing it to exercise, he noted that one workout changes little, “But, if you go to the gym twice a week for two months, your body changes. The same applies to your brain.” While there’s no instant fix for selfishness yet, science may have found a way to give generosity a gentle nudge – proof that your inner saint might just be one brainwave away.


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