The Science of Kindness

Is kindness hard-wired in the brain? New evidence suggests it could be.

The amygdala — a tiny structure in the brain's temporal lobe — has long been tied to negative human behaviors, specifically fear. But new research from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) suggests that this structure may also influence positive behaviors like kindness and charitable giving.

Researchers said this finding could have implications for patients with autism and other conditions marked by trouble connecting with others.