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Published online 25 June 2007 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news070625-4

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Is it a chimp-help-chimp world?

Clever experiment shows altruism in great apes.

Humans are often thought of as the only truly altruistic species. We help others out — by giving blood, donating to the poor, or committing to recycling — for no immediate payoff, and often at a cost to ourselves.

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