Scientists used brain stimulation to make people more generous
Science Daily
February 14, 2026
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Scientists have discovered that by synchronizing activity between two key brain regions, they can enhance generosity in individuals. A study published in *PLOS Biology* found that applying non-invasive brain stimulation to the frontal and parietal lobes increased altruistic behavior during a Dictator Game, where participants decided how to split money with others. The researchers used transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to align neural activity, specifically targeting gamma oscillations—a type of brain wave linked to complex cognitive processes. When this synchronization was strengthened, participants were more likely to share larger sums, even when it reduced their own earnings.
The experiment involved 44 participants who made 540 decisions in the Dictator Game while receiving tACS. This technique guided neurons in the targeted areas to fire in coordinated rhythms, either gamma or alpha oscillations. The findings revealed that enhancing gamma synchrony between the frontal and parietal regions boosted altruistic choices, with participants prioritizing others' outcomes more when dividing money. A computational model further showed that this stimulation shifted decision-making processes, making individuals weigh others' needs more heavily.
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Originally published on Science Daily on 2/14/2026