From: The Washington Post
Why Some People Are Wired to Help Strangers, And What Their Brains Reveal
January 13, 2026
Abigail Marsh, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Georgetown University, studies extraordinary altruism — people who jump in to rescue strangers in emergencies or donate a kidney to someone they don’t know. Marsh spoke with Cristina Quinn, host of The Washington Post’s podcast “Try This,” about what her work has uncovered, and what brain science reveals about people who habitually engage in selfless acts. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Read the whole story (subscription may be required): The Washington Post
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