Discover where the decision of

Saving people or worrying about their own life first depends on the physical structure of the brain, not the choice.

Psychologist Indrajeet Patil (Harvard University, USA) and his colleagues used virtual reality technology (VR) to set the scene of a big fire in a building, fire flared up and smoke covered the aisle. This is an experiment to assess "compassion" by considering the option of saving yourself first or helping other trapped victims.

Images are constructed using VR.

Finally, the team found that those who stayed behind rescuing struggling colleagues had an insular cortex greater than normal. Patil explained that using VR would not be dangerous. While experiencing a virtual reality environment, volunteers will have a brain MRI scan to learn about brain reactions.

In addition, Patil also wanted to clearly distinguish heroism from pity." The factor determining humanity depends on whether or not they are willing to help others, not emotional sharing , " Patil said.

Insula position in the brain.

In medicine, the island's cortex is an emotional control in social situations. It dominates the level of empathy for someone in need, and can cause the individual to defy his own safety to save the lives of his fellow humans.