Researchers at the University of Southern California, led by Li Zhang, have observed surprising social behaviors in lab mice, particularly in their interactions with anesthetized or immobilized cage mates. These young mice engage in actions such as sniffing, grooming, and nibbling, often focusing on the mouths of their unresponsive companions to help clear airways. The study revealed that these behaviors are more pronounced towards familiar peers than strangers, indicating the importance of social connections in facilitating rescue actions.
The researchers also noted a connection between these rescue-like behaviors and the hormone oxytocin, which is known to influence social bonding in many species. They found active oxytocin-producing neurons in the brain regions responsible for processing emotions when mice interacted with their suffering counterparts. This suggests that mammalian empathy and care may be more widespread than previously thought.
Moreover, the study highlights the potential for these behaviors to assist in group survival, as mice who provided support to their immobilized peers often saw them recover more quickly. However, the researchers urge caution in extrapolating these findings to broader conclusions about animal behavior, recognizing the complexities of animal motivations.
Overall, the study opens new avenues for exploring social behaviors in rodents and other species, suggesting that compassion and care for peers might be more ingrained in the animal kingdom than recognized. The findings were published in the journal Science.
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