Researchers at the University of Southern California have found evidence of compassionate behavior in mice when interacting with a companion that is unconscious or anaesthetised. In a series of tests, mice spent around 47% of their observation time caring for their unresponsive partner, including behaviors such as licking and biting to remove obstructions from their airways.
The team discovered that these behaviors were driven by oxytocin-releasing neurons in the brain, a hormone involved in caring behaviors across vertebrate species. Mice that cared for unconscious partners recovered faster than those that did not receive assistance.
While initial findings may seem surprising, the researchers suggest that this behavior could be an innate response to enhance group cohesion among social animals. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about animal cognition and highlights the complexity of social behavior in non-human species.
The study’s lead author, Li Zhang, notes that these behaviors are not equivalent to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but rather a natural response similar to using strong-smelling salts or basic first aid. The team’s findings have sparked debate about anthropomorphism and the need for caution when attributing human-like intentions to non-human species.
The study’s results, published in Science, provide insight into the evolution of social behavior and raise questions about the extent to which animals are capable of empathy and compassion.
Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2469379-mice-seen-giving-first-aid-to-unconscious-companions