Things Your Body Does That Science Still Can't Explain

Summary

This video explores fascinating and mysterious phenomena of the human brain and body, ranging from synesthesia (the blending of senses) to the strange responses like uncontrollable laughter from tickling or the spread of yawns. It dives into perplexing topics such as the placebo effect, runner's side stitches, and the musical chills some people experience. The video also touches on ASMR, a sensory experience triggered by specific sounds. Despite extensive research, scientists still can't fully explain why these phenomena happen, offering a glimpse into the unexplained intricacies of human perception and emotion.

Takeaways

• 😀 Synaesthesia is a condition where sensory experiences, like tasting colors or hearing shapes, occur due to crossed brain wiring, affecting 2-4% of people.
• 😀 In synaesthesia, sensory associations are consistent. For example, if a person sees the number 7 as blue, it will always appear blue to them.
• 😀 The tickling response, which causes uncontrollable laughter even in distress, may be an ancient defense mechanism to protect from bugs or parasites.
• 😀 The contagious yawn phenomenon might be linked to brain temperature regulation or social bonding, with people more likely to yawn after someone they know.
• 😀 The 'tip of the tongue' phenomenon happens when a word is on the verge of being recalled but can't be accessed, happening more frequently as people age.
• 😀 The side stitch, a sharp pain during exercise, may be caused by organ movement, diaphragm cramping, or tired internal ligaments.
• 😀 Some people experience goosebumps or a spine-tingling sensation (frisson) from music, art, or emotional moments, triggered by specific brain wiring.
• 😀 The placebo effect occurs when the brain produces real physiological responses, like pain relief, due to belief in a treatment, even if it's a sugar pill.
• 😀 The nocebo effect is the opposite of placebo, where believing something will harm you can actually cause physical discomfort or pain.
• 😀 ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) triggers tingles in the scalp or spine in some people due to specific sounds, promoting relaxation and dopamine release.

Q & A

What is synesthesia and how does it affect people?

Synesthesia is a condition where one sense is perceived through another, such as seeing colors when hearing sounds or tasting shapes. It occurs due to atypical neural connections in the brain, and 2-4% of people experience it. These sensory crossovers are consistent and predictable, and some people experience specific associations like seeing colors when they hear numbers or letters.

Why can't scientists fully explain synesthesia?

Scientists struggle to fully explain synesthesia because it involves complex and unusual brain wiring that they do not yet completely understand. While some think extra neural connections remain in certain people's brains, this theory doesn't explain why these specific cross-sensory experiences occur.

What could be the evolutionary purpose of the tickle response?

One theory is that the tickle response is an ancient defense mechanism to protect against bugs or parasites. The involuntary laughter could have evolved as a way to alert others to potential danger, like ticks crawling on the skin. However, this doesn't explain why we laugh instead of simply moving away from the sensation.

Why can't we tickle ourselves?

We can't tickle ourselves because our brain anticipates the sensation, which prevents the response. The brain recognizes self-inflicted stimuli, thus inhibiting the automatic ticklish response.

What is the contagious yawn phenomenon and why does it happen?

Yawning can be contagious, spreading from one person to another, often depending on how familiar you are with the person yawning. While some theories suggest it might be related to brain cooling or social bonding, scientists are still unsure why yawns are contagious, though empathy and mirror neurons might play a role.

How does the placebo effect work?

The placebo effect occurs when a person experiences real improvements in their health simply by believing they are receiving treatment, even if it's a sugar pill. The brain produces endorphins (natural painkillers) in response to the belief that the treatment will work, triggering physical changes despite the lack of an active ingredient.

What causes the tip of the tongue phenomenon?

The tip of the tongue phenomenon occurs when you can almost recall a word but can't quite grasp it. This happens when the brain can't make a strong enough signal to access the word or when it's missing enough pieces of information to form a complete thought.

What is a side stitch, and what causes it?

A side stitch is a sharp pain often felt during physical activity, particularly running. Scientists suggest it might be caused by organs bouncing around, pulling ligaments, or by the diaphragm cramping due to insufficient blood flow. It's a common issue faced by athletes and can be aggravated by sugary drinks.

What is the phenomenon of musical chills, or frisson?

Frisson is the experience of goosebumps or a tingling sensation when listening to music, watching art, or witnessing emotionally impactful events. It occurs because the brain processes emotions and sound in a unique way, with some people having stronger connections between their emotional and auditory centers.

Why do some people experience ASMR, and what happens to the body?

ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is a tingling sensation triggered by specific sounds, such as whispers or tapping. This sensation typically starts at the scalp and spreads down the neck and spine. The cause of ASMR is still not fully understood, but it may be related to a brain's reaction to soothing sounds, possibly linked to memories of being cared for. The body responds by releasing dopamine and slowing the heart rate, promoting relaxation.