When it really comes down to it—when the chips are down and the lights are off—are we naturally good? Are we predisposed to act cooperatively, to help others even when it costs us? Or are we, in our hearts, selfish creatures?

A new set of studies carried out by a diverse group of researchers from Harvard and Yale provides compelling data allowing us to analyze human nature through the clear lens of science. They show that our automatic impulse—our first instinct—is to act cooperatively, rather than selfishly.

(READ about the detailed study in Scientific American)