Synchronized neural oscillations in the right brain induce empathic behavior

'Observational fear', which is a rodent model for emotional contagion, is the basic form of affective empathy. This model has been well-established and is frequently used for studying the neurobiology of empathy. During the observational fear experiment, a "demonstrator" mouse is given an electric shock, while an "observer" mouse watches from behind a transparent screen. When witnessing another animal receiving a shock, the observer mouse displays an immediate fear response, as demonstrated by its freezing behavior. The observer mouse is also known to be able to recall the experience at a later time.

Notably, this study showed that the synchronized brain rhythms within multiple brain areas are essential for triggering empathy.

Synchronous neural oscillations within the networks could allow enhanced communications among multiple brain areas for various cognitive and emotional functions.

Reference: Synchronized neural oscillations in the right brain induce empathic behavior, Neuron; DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.11.001.