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VR Experiment Uncovers Immune System's Reaction to Contagious Faces

Q: How does the human immune system respond to virtual reality simulations of contagious faces?

The study found that when participants were shown VR avatars with signs of sickness, such as skin rashes, their brains exhibited increased activity in the areas responsible for detecting and filtering threats, and their blood showed activation of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which are early responders in the immune system.

Q: What did the brain scans reveal about the immune system's reaction to virtual contagious faces?

The brain scans, including EEG and fMRI, showed a stronger connection between the threat-detection network and the hypothalamus, a key regulation center in the brain, when participants were shown VR avatars with signs of infection.

Q: What is the significance of the study's findings on the relationship between cognition and physiology in avoiding illness?

The researchers believe the study provides valuable insights into the complex biological mechanisms that help us avoid contracting illnesses, even before the immune system has directly encountered the pathogens, highlighting the interplay between our cognitive and physiological responses to potential contagion threats.

28 Jul

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Summary

VR avatars with signs of viral infections trigger immune response
Brain scans show increased activity in threat-detection networks
Blood tests reveal activation of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs)

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have found that the human immune system can be triggered by the mere sight of a potentially contagious person, even in a virtual reality (VR) setting. The study involved 248 healthy participants who were fitted with VR headsets and exposed to various facial expressions, including neutral, fearful, and those displaying signs of viral infections.

The results showed that when participants were shown VR avatars with signs of sickness, such as skin rashes, their brains exhibited increased activity in the areas responsible for detecting and filtering threats. This response was observed even when the infectious avatars appeared further away, suggesting an "exquisitely sensitive" behavioral system that helps the body avoid catching diseases.

Further analysis using EEG and fMRI scans revealed a stronger connection between the threat-detection network and the hypothalamus, a key regulation center in the brain. Blood tests also showed an activation of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which are early responders in the immune system.

The researchers believe these findings provide valuable insights into the biological mechanisms that help us avoid contracting illnesses, even before the immune system has directly encountered the pathogens. This study adds to the growing body of evidence on the complex interplay between our cognitive and physiological responses to potential contagion threats.

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