Li Zhang's research reveals that anesthetized mice evoke caring behaviors from their cage mates, akin to first aid. Observed behaviors, such as grooming, biting, and tongue pulling, suggest an altruistic response. These actions, driven by oxytocin neurons known for fostering helping behaviors, seem aimed at promoting recovery from anesthesia. The study contributes to our understanding of social support mechanisms in mice, paralleling similar behaviors in other species. It emphasizes the significance of social bonds and the potential for altruism in non-human animals.
To me, this looks very much like a behavior that's driven by what I would call the altruistic impulse, suggests neuroscientist James Burkett.
Zhang and his colleagues studied this behavior, finding that the subject mouse spent much more time with the unconscious cage mate, exhibiting a consistent set of behaviors.
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