The new study shows that a relaxed fish can detect fear in other fish, and then become afraid itself and that this ability is regulated by oxytocin, the same brain chemical that underlies the capacity for empathy in humans
The ability is regulated by oxytocin, and researchers say the findings raise the possibility that our ability to care for others is rooted in ancient animals.
The study reinforces the idea that understanding oxytocin as love hormone is fundamentally wrong. It is rather a switcher that helps us to decide what to feel at the moment.