Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Israel21c

Israel21c: "Israeli researchers discover gene for altruism
By David Brinn January 23, 2005



According to Professor Richard Ebstein, volunteers in a soup kitchen might might possess a gene variant that gives them a good feeling from doing good.

Why are some people more prone to give charity or put themselves in danger in order to help others?

A team of Israeli psychologists claim they have the answer - they've located the first gene linked to altruistic behavior.

According to a study conducted by Prof. Richard Ebstein and colleagues at the Hebrew University and Herzog Memorial Hospital in Jerusalem, a link exists between people who appear selfless and seek to help others, and a gene variant on chromosome No. 11. "

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