Detecting mechanisms that cause envy

Japanese scientists have discovered "striatum" - a region in the brain that governs the envy of humans. When people feel more envious, this "body" becomes more active.

The research team led by Professor Hidehiko Takahashi of the Academy of X-ray Science in Japan conducted research on 19 university students.

Scientists have provided these 19 students with information about their peers who have better academic results, the ability to find jobs easier and have more romantic relationships, and use devices Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to capture the brains of the study subjects.

The team found that when these students had a large sense of jealousy, a part of their brain lobes - functioning to perceive physical pain, would work very hard.

However, when reading information about the misfortune of envious people, their "pattern" also works.

The team thinks that if a person becomes more envious of certain problems of others, they will be more satisfied when they hear information about their misfortune.

It is expected that the results of the study will be published in the American Journal of Science.