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NewTalk 2010.05.04 Compiled and reported by Wang Anci
According to BBC, a research team composed of German and British scientists discovered that men who inhaled the "hug hormone" can become as empathetic as women.
In the study, 48 volunteers showed a significant improvement in their ability to respond positively after inhaling a nasal spray containing oxytocin, the "hug hormone." Professor Keith Kendrick, who led the research, stated that inhaling the hormone through the nose allows its effects to reach the brain quickly.
During the experiment, half of the men were given the nasal spray containing oxytocin, while the other half received a regular spray. After using the spray, the first phase involved scientists presenting various photos—such as a crying child, a girl holding a cat, or a melancholic man—and asking participants to describe their feelings. The men who inhaled the "hug hormone" exhibited a higher level of tenderness and empathy, almost reaching the typical response level of women.
In the second phase, participants were asked to complete a challenging observation test. They received encouraging facial feedback for correct answers and unhappy expressions for incorrect ones. The results showed that people learned faster when receiving positive feedback, and the men who inhaled the "hug hormone" had even stronger reactions to the facial feedback.
Professor Kendrick suggested that this finding might indicate oxytocin could be useful in treating patients with behavioral disorders. Other researchers have already begun exploring its application in treating individuals with autism.
Oxytocin is a naturally secreted hormone in the human body. It induces pain relief during childbirth and strengthens the bond between mother and child. Additionally, oxytocin can enhance other social relationships, such as intimacy and trust. (http://newtalk. tw)
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……rl/ d/ a/ 100504/ 135/ 251o9. html
Too Manly: the Hormone That Softens Men
According to BBC, a research team composed of German and British scientists discovered that men who inhaled the "hug hormone" can become as empathetic as women.
In the study, 48 volunteers showed a significant improvement in their ability to respond positively after inhaling a nasal spray containing oxytocin, the "hug hormone." Professor Keith Kendrick, who led the research, stated that inhaling the hormone through the nose allows its effects to reach the brain quickly.
During the experiment, half of the men were given the nasal spray containing oxytocin, while the other half received a regular spray. After using the spray, the first phase involved scientists presenting various photos—such as a crying child, a girl holding a cat, or a melancholic man—and asking participants to describe their feelings. The men who inhaled the "hug hormone" exhibited a higher level of tenderness and empathy, almost reaching the typical response level of women.
In the second phase, participants were asked to complete a challenging observation test. They received encouraging facial feedback for correct answers and unhappy expressions for incorrect ones. The results showed that people learned faster when receiving positive feedback, and the men who inhaled the "hug hormone" had even stronger reactions to the facial feedback.
Professor Kendrick suggested that this finding might indicate oxytocin could be useful in treating patients with behavioral disorders. Other researchers have already begun exploring its application in treating individuals with autism.
Oxytocin is a naturally secreted hormone in the human body. It induces pain relief during childbirth and strengthens the bond between mother and child. Additionally, oxytocin can enhance other social relationships, such as intimacy and trust. (http://newtalk. tw)
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……rl/ d/ a/ 100504/ 135/ 251o9. html