THE MORAL MOLECULE

This book is a revolution in the science of good and evil. Paul J. Zak uses his entertaining studies to go well beyond the common theories about why human beings behave and make the decisions they do, showing that "rational self-interest" is simply scientifically inaccurate - and that behavioral economics doesn't go far enough. Zak at long last explains the underlying physiology and brain mechanisms that actually drive our behavior: why we are sometimes rational and other times irrational, one moment ruthlessly depraved and another immensely kind - and how we can foster empathy in real time.

Zak's experiments measure a brain chemical called oxytocin in the blood of his subjects - and prove that oxytocin (most commonly associated with childbirth) is in fact the key element in the formation of all human attachments, trustworthiness, and generosity. What he calls HOME, the Human Oxytocin Mediated Empathy system, is nothing short of the driving force behind human morality. In THE MORAL MOLECULE, Zak will tell the story of his discoveries and explain how oxytocin works, as well as describe how we might harness its effects to impact our everyday lives.

Zak will write about his work with the US Military to get troops' oxytocin-testosterone balance right and his unusual "vampire" studies, including drawing the blood of the attendees of a wedding to see if the romantic ritual increases oxytocin (it does). He'll describe his research on how religion affects us biologically - measuring oxytocin levels in attendees of charismatic churches as well as Catholic and Zen Buddhist monasteries. He describes how business settings and whole economies can be impacted by the fostering of oxytocin release. And he tells of his incredible research into an oxytocin-based drug that could treat disorders such as autism, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Zak's media presence and connections are substantial. He has a popular Psychology Today blog, also called "The Moral Molecule," and has been featured in many articles, including those in The New York Times, Scientific American, and TIME. He has appeared on Dr. Phil, Good Morning America, PBS's NOVA Science Now, NPR's All Things Considered, and is currently under option to host a popular science show based on his research. Please see his website - www.neuroeconomicstudies.org - for print and video clips.

William Patrick, a former science editor at Harvard University Press who has co-written numerous science and psychology books, will be helping with the writing of the book.