Americans give more money to charity than do any other people in the world. In 2007 we set an all-time record, donating $306 billion to charitable causes. What is it that makes us keep on giving? Knowing your money is going to a good cause activates the same pleasure centers in the brain associated with basic needs like food, shelter and social connection, according to researchers at the University of Oregon. The findings show that the brain is capable of tracking not only what’s good for us personally, but also what’s good for others. —Kimberly Papa