University of Dusseldorf researchers have found that when people are fearful or anxious their bodies release a chemical that others respond to – at least, subconsciously.
Volunteers were hooked up to brain scanners. They were then asked to sniff cotton pads taken straight from the armpits of a group of students. Pads were taken just before the students were about to take an important exam, and then again while they worked out on exercise bikes.
Based on smell, the sniffers could not tell the difference between the pre-exam “panic” sweat and the sweat that had been generated during exercise. But the brain scans showed that when they sniffed the pre-exam sweat, it stimulated a part of the brain that triggers empathy – essentially making the anxiety contagious.
The researchers believe this automatic sensory reaction may have evolved in humans to speed up the spread of fear within a group that’s in some sort of danger. As a result, it would jumpstart a flight to safety.
(Source: New Scientist)
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