Study: Scientists using Holocaust survivor stories to examine brain function

The testimonies of Holocaust survivors have been used to track gratitude in the brain.

Dr Glenn Fox, who led the study, said: “In the midst of this awful tragedy, there were many acts of bravery and life-saving aid. With the Holocaust, we only typically associate the awful things. But when you listen to the survivors, you also hear stories of incredible virtue, and gratitude for the help they received.”

For the research 23 people who had no connection to the Holocaust were shown Holocaust survivors’ testimonies....

With brain scans, the neuroscientists were able to track the circuits involved in gratitude. Researchers found that the areas activated included those processing reward, fairness, moral cognition and self-reference.