Tag: body

Why do we do the things we do? We may never have all of the information needed to answer this question in its entirety, but we certainly understand humans much better than we did just a few decades ago.

In fact, an entire field of science has been devoted to studying human behavior: evolutionary psychology. This field of research exists to explore why humans tend to behave a certain way and why we engage in specific habits without conscious thought.

Here’s the thing. As weird as humans may seem, we’re actually incredibly predictable. We do the same things over and over again, and some of those things are downright weird if you take the time to think about it.

We were curious if explanations existed for some the strangest of the strange, those things all humans do but no one really knows why. In short, it all comes down to evolution. The things we do are all about survival. Here’s the science behind some of the weirdest human behaviors out there.

1. It’s in his kiss.

Okay, at first glance, kissing may not seem all that weird. The more you think about, though, doesn’t it seem a little strange? We lock lips with people we like the most. Why, exactly, is this our go-to way to show our affection?

Although there is still much debate about why we started kissing in the first place, scientists believe they have nailed down at least a partial explanation for this behavior. When we kiss, we actually send information back and forth in the form of pheromones.

This information has an important role in helping us determine if a potential mate has promise for the long haul. One of the biggest factors being considered is whether their immune system is different from ours. This diversity is actually beneficial to offspring.

2. You’re so cute, I want to eat you?

We may not be so quick to admit it, but we’ve all felt that strange compulsion to nibble a baby’s toes from time to time. As bizarre as it may sound, this is typical behavior.

Scientists believe there are at least a couple of factors at work here.

When we see or smell an adorable baby or some other tiny, huggable thing, it actually activates the same pleasure/reward center of our brains that is turned on by looking at delicious food, according to Scientific American.

So the desire to nibble a little baby might simply be a case of our brains having similar responses to similar stimuli.

Another theory about this seemingly strange phenomenon notes that “social biting” is a common occurrence among mammals. For instance, some other primates are known to gently bite each other in a non-threatening manner. Scientists believe that this may be a way of building trust—demonstrating that even if you find your thigh in your mother’s mouth, she will not harm you.

Regardless of the possible explanations for this kooky desire, it goes without saying that a bento box makes for a better cute snack than a baby.

3. The Trick That Helps You Concentrate

There is nothing cuter than watching a toddler, hard at work on their latest masterpiece, with their tongue sticking out of their mouth in concentration. The reason this behavior is so commonplace is that it is actually programmed in our brains.

As humans developed language, we started with grunts and gestures to communicate our message with each other. According to scientists, children stick their tongue out during a challenging task because tough tasks are tripping a kind of loop in their brain that causes them to revert to some of the gestural language of our ancestors. This may also be why we rely on our hands when we’re trying to communicate something hard
to explain.

4. Anger looks the same in every corner of the globe.

How we act on our anger may vary from culture to culture and personality to personality, but human beings share a common facial expression when we feel overwhelmed by anger.

Most humans experience anger on their face by clenching up their facial muscles and gritting their teeth. In fact, even when some variance exists in the appearance of anger, the same muscles are being activated.

There is an evolutionary explanation for gritting our teeth; it’s all about intimidation.

Flexing of the facial muscles clearly communicates the emotion of anger and along with it an understanding that we will use our power to get our way.

5. The Itch You Can’t Scratch

Scratching seems like common sense behavior, but it is strange to think that we inflict more discomfort on ourselves to relieve an annoying itch. There is an explanation for this approach.

Scientists say it was borne out of a desire to quickly remove whatever was irritating your skin. And when you keep scratching, you activate more nerves than the itching, which offers your brain a distraction from the itch.

6. The Devil on Your Shoulder

Decision making isn’t always an easy task. To simplify making choices, most humans engage in the weird behavior of actually arguing with ourselves. Whether it’s out loud in the privacy of our car during rush hour or a silent debate in the line at Starbucks, it’s something everyone does.

As it turns out, the way our brain thinks about who we will be in the future is really surprising. Scientists have theorized that our brains see our future self as a separate person. So those lively arguments we’re having about our next decision, big or small, feel really real inside of our minds.

7. If You’ve Ever Punched a Wall

When we’re really angry, human beings have a tendency to want to act out. Although it is no longer considered socially acceptable to punch a wall (or another human) when we’re upset, the compulsion toward aggression is an evolutionary behavior.

Scientists believe this desire to fight is hardwired into our brains. Early humans had to defend themselves to survive, so aggression came in handy. In modern times, we’re rarely faced with life-threatening situations, but our primal aggression hasn’t disappeared.

8. I heard it through the grapevine.

None of us are proud of it, but we have all shared a piece of juicy gossip at some point in our lives. As harmful as this habit may seem, there is actually an evolutionary explanation for why we gossip.

As humans, we become obsessed with the potential flaws of others because establishing a safe people group in which you belong is important to survival. In the past, it was a matter of trusting others with our lives. These days, gossiping has evolved into a way to feel you belong.

9. I love to laugh.

Laughter may be a language spoken all over the world, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a strange behavior. Why do we belt out weird noises when something tickles us?

Scientists know it is unconscious, meaning you can’t just make it happen. Additionally, research is clear that we laugh as a social behavior, not just because we find something funny, which is why people rarely laugh when they’re all alone. In fact, the clearest explanation of why we laugh is that we do it to establish relationships with others.

10. Closeness to the People We Love

Feeling the desire to be close to the people we care about is normal. We crave hugs and cuddling, even with people we are not romantically involved with. 

There’s a scientific explanation for why human beings like to hug each other.

Basically, most babies and young children get hugged a lot because this is how their caretakers comfort them when they’re upset. As children grow into teenagers, those hugs decrease in frequency.

In adulthood, when we experience something that triggers a reaction of regression, we crave the affection of our childhood. That’s kind of sweet, when you think about it.

This was why she became a flight attendant.

The 26-year-old caught a layover in the Caribbean and took full advantage. While our sources only tell us she “had significant sun exposure,” how could that have come from anywhere but a nice, long layout on the beach? A Caribbean layover is like a miniature free vacation.
On the flight to the islands, she had done what flight attendants do: She checked the overhead bins, handed out peanuts or pretzels, and served drinks.
This last task required her to cut up limes—lots of them, presumably—as garnishes. She cut limes, she handled them, she perched them on the edges of plastic cups.

Later, a doctor would tell her that this was her mistake. After her day in the sun, the flight attendant’s forearm erupted in tremendous painful blisters. The blisters followed a dripping path across her arm—a path first blazed by trickles of lime juice that bled from the fruit when she was preparing garnishes.

Sun and citrus don’t mix.

This poor flight attendant’s story comes to us via Medscape. The site outlines her misfortune in a case study describing a painful condition called phytophotodermatitis. Doctors with a wicked sense of humor might call it “lime disease.”
Phytophotodermatitis occurs when chemicals found in certain fruits and vegetables interact with the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Watch out for carrots, parsley, lemons, and, yes, limes. Heat, sweat, and wetness make the problem even worse.

Blisters and redness follow, but they’re sneaky. They don’t show up until a few days after the exposure. This delayed onset makes phytophotodermatitis a real panic-inducer. How would you feel if you woke up with hideous chemical burns on your hands and had no idea what caused them?
“Patients come in quite concerned when they have a rash like this,” Joshua Zeichner, a doctor at Mount Sinai Hospital, told Today. “It raises a lot of panic.”

We’ll spare you the media gallery on this one. If you have a strong stomach and a burning (sorry) curiosity, search Google Images for “phytophotodermatitis.” You’ll see why panic makes sense in this case.

Save the summer with an abundance of caution.

You don’t have to swear off citrus between May and September, even if you did just look at the pictures. (You did, didn’t you?) The good news is that phytophotodermatitis is easy to prevent.
“Lime burn can be prevented by immediately washing off residue with soap and water or cleansing towelettes,” Today reports.
That’s another great reason to pack a few pre-moistened wipes in your beach bag. Go ahead and put the lime in the coconut and drink ’em both up—just make sure to scrub your hands clean afterward.

And although sunscreen won’t protect you if you’re drenched in lime juice, be sure to apply the lotion liberally. With or without chemical reactions, sunlight can be dangerous in large doses.
Dermatologists caution everyone to use lots of broad-spectrum sunscreen, preferably a water-resistant brand with an SPF rating of 30 or higher.

Armed with these tips, you should be able to enjoy a chilled drink the next time you relax on the beach. We can think of one flight attendant who’ll enjoy her Caribbean layovers a lot more knowing how to prevent phytophotodermatitis.

Aging is a natural process, but that doesn’t mean you have to embrace it. There are simple ways to reduce the negative effects of aging by tweaking your lifestyle.
By avoiding habits that accelerate aging, you can ensure that you look as youthful as possible. Genetics play a large role, but external factors can make an even larger impact on your appearance. Here are five everyday things to avoid if you want to slow the aging process.

1. Chronic Stress

Stress is not just unpleasant, it’s dangerous. On the cellular level, chronic stress causes shorter telomeres, which are compound structures at the end of chromosomes that are associated with age-related diseases. Additionally, high levels of cortisol (the primary stress hormone) can weaken the immune system, damage the heart, and cause facial aging.
You may not be able to rid your life of stress, but there are ways to reduce and manage it. Meditation and yoga can ease stress, according to the Harvard Health Blog.

If meditation’s not your thing, consider spending time with friends, as research links socialization with stress relief. Marriage has also been proven to counter the effects of stress and increase longevity (though we’re not suggesting you get married solely for those reasons).

2. Inflammatory Foods

Inflammation is one of the biggest drivers of aging, and your diet could be full of inflammatory foods if you’re not careful. Trans fats, refined sugars, white bread, and dairy can all trigger inflammation inside your body.

On the other hand, there are many foods that reduce inflammation in your body. Tomatoes, olive oil, leafy green vegetables, and fatty fish are all anti-inflammatory. In fact, just about everything in the Mediterranean diet fights inflammation and promotes healthy aging.

3. Too Much Sun

Most of us know by now that the sun ages us, but we don’t always heed the warning. A summer suntan has yet to go out of style, so we continue to sit in the sun for longer than we should.

Unfortunately, UVA and UVB exposure from the sun causes photoaging. This complex process causes wrinkling as well as elastin and collagen damage. The best way to avoid these age accelerators is to reduce exposure to the sun and wear sunscreen when you’re outside.

4. Not Enough Sleep

If you’re looking for a good excuse to turn in early, here it is. Lack of sleep not only impairs your mental faculties, it also prematurely ages you.

University Hospitals Case Medical Center conducted a sleep study with 60 women between the ages of 30 and 49. The results showed that those who got quality sleep recovered more quickly from sunburns and other stressors and had fewer fine lines and more even pigmentation.
“Sleep deprived women show signs of premature skin aging and a decrease in their skin’s ability to recover after sun exposure,” said Dr. Elma Baron, director of the Skin Study Center at UH Case Medical Center and associate professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
What’s more, the problem is fairly widespread.

“Insufficient sleep has become a worldwide epidemic. While chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to medical problems such as obesity, diabetes, cancer and immune deficiency, its effects on skin function have previously been unknown.”
If you’re having trouble sleeping, consider turning off your phone (and make sure you’re not falling prey to one of these four nasty bedtime habits).

5. Too Many Calories

The type of calories you consume plays a large role in aging, but the quantity is also important. Studies of fish, rodents, and dogs have shown that caloric restriction (without malnutrition) can slow aging and increase lifespan.

There is not enough evidence to prove that humans benefit from caloric restriction, but there is ample proof that consuming too many calories has disastrous effects on aging. Studies have shown that obesity accelerates the onset of age-related diseases and the aging process in general. Provided that you’re getting the necessary nutrients, cutting calories can help you look and feel younger.

In the first half of this year, France has reported nearly six times the number of cases of measles as they experienced over the same timeframe in 2016—295 cases this year versus 47 last.

French politicians have taken notice of this disturbing trend and now they are taking action to prevent widespread public health emergencies.
As Newsweek reports, “Three vaccines, for diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis, are already mandatory in France,” but now Prime Minister Édouard Philippe is saying that beginning early next year, eight other vaccines will become required for French citizens.

A Matter of Pride and Practicality for the French People

“Children are still dying of measles,” Prime Minister Philippe said in a policy speech covered by the French publication Le Figaro. “In the homeland of Pasteur that is not admissible.”
Pasteur, of course, is the French biologist for whom pasteurization—the process that helps to keep milk and other foodstuffs germ free—was named.

The 19th-century scientist is also renowned as the “father of microbiology” and is credited with the creation of rabies and anthrax vaccines.
The European Center for Disease Control notes that when it comes to measles in France, “The incidence is highest in children under one year (5.2/100,000 with 43 cases), which represents 14.6% of cases declared… Of the cases with known vaccination status (258 cases out of 295), 190 (74%) were not vaccinated, 40 (16%) had received a single dose, 25 (10%) had received two doses and for three cases (1%) the number was unknown.”

A-level vaccination is the only way to stop outbreaks.

Dr. Seth Berkley of the nonprofit organization Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance promotes global vaccination policies.
“Over the past five years,” Berkley told NPR earlier this year, “measles vaccine coverage around the world has stagnated at around 78 percent… That in combination with the European outbreak is worrisome.”

NPR reporter Michaeleen Doucleff elaborated on the scientist’s comments, “For the measles, it’s not enough to have 78 percent of a population vaccinated. You need about 90 to 95 percent to stop outbreaks, Berkeley says.”
So right now, if the world were being graded on our collective vaccination against measles, we’d only be at a C level. We need to work together to get this grade up to an A.

France is not alone.

Germany is considering similar legislation that would fine families who don’t vaccinate their children. Italy has recently submitted similar legislation as well. In Australia, certain tax rebates are tied to whether a child has been properly vaccinated.
Meanwhile in Texas, their house of representatives recently passed a “measure barring mandatory vaccines for foster children,” with the amendment’s sponsor, Arlington Republican Rep. Bill Zedler, saying, “Immunizations do not qualify as emergency care. No vaccine cures a disease.”

Ever wonder why your ears pop on planes?
It’s a pretty universal phenomenon, although some people can’t quite get rid of the pressure, regardless of how frequently they fly. The good news is that you can safely unclog your ears provided that you understand the mechanism that causes that unpleasant “pop.”

1. Try the classics: Chewing gum, yawning, and swallowing.

These methods work because they activate the same muscles that control the Eustachian tube, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

“Swallowing occurs more often when chewing gum or when sucking on hard candies,” the organization’s website reads. “These are good air travel practices, especially just before take-off and during descent. Yawning is even better. Avoid sleeping during descent because swallowing may not occur often enough to keep up with the pressure changes.”

2. You can also hold your nose, close your mouth, and gently blow through your nostrils.

The key word there is “gently,” as blowing too hard can cause serious ear damage. You shouldn’t need much pressure to open up the Eustachian tube and relieve the pressure. Children shouldn’t attempt this method, as they’re more likely to use excessive force.
If these methods don’t seem to work, something might be blocking your Eustachian tube, and when that’s the case, you’ve got one option: Remove the blockage.

3. Take decongestants before your board the plane.

Decongestants thin out your mucous, allowing it to flow freely (sorry for the mental image).

Many Eustachian tube blockages are caused by congestion, so taking an over-the-counter decongestant before your flight will often prevent your ears from popping.
You can also try a nasal spray for a quicker solution, provided that you visit the airplane bathroom to use that spray (your fellow passengers will appreciate the courtesy).

Consider decongestants even if you feel fairly healthy. Blockages aren’t always associated with sickness, so if you frequently encounter pressurization issues, an over-the-counter medicine is certainly worth a try. Just be sure to check with your doctor beforehand if you have any persistent medical conditions or if you’re taking any other medications.

4. Some airlines also sell specialized earplugs.

Earplugs like EarPlanes help to regulate air pressure, and they can be essential carry-ons for some passengers. Just be sure to toss the earplugs at the end of the flight if you’re ill; they’re porous, so they’re not so easy to clean.

If none of these methods work, see an ear, nose, and throat doctor. Eustachian tube blockages can lead to hearing loss, so you’ll want to get the problem checked out sooner rather than later. Try to limit your flights in the meantime.

In Hollywood, dimples are a sought-after physical attribute (even if they are technically caused by a genetic defect).
However, cheek dimples are a purely genetic trait; if your parents had them, there’s a good chance that you’ll have them. But if you weren’t born with them, you’re probably out of luck.

Unless, of course, you’re willing to go under the knife. A surgical procedure called dimpleplasty has gained new ground with millennials in recent years—though doctors warn about the potential risks.

What are dimples, exactly?

Dimples are a genetic trait created when the skin of the cheek is directly attached to the cheek muscle through a small, naturally occurring hole. Smiling causes the cheek muscles to contract, pulling the skin tight and allowing the dimples to appear. Many people find dimples to be desirable, despite the fact that they’re functionally useless.

Dimpleplasty has been available for over 30 years, but the popularity of the practice has surged recently. Doctors believe people are drawn to this procedure because it is minimally invasive and relatively inexpensive. That’s not to say that it’s completely free from risk, however.

Dimpleplasty is attractive to millennials for several reasons.

A dimpleplasty is an outpatient procedure performed when the patient is under local anesthesia and only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. The surgeon makes the incisions on the inside of the cheek, so there is no visible scarring. The average total cost is between $1,200 and $2,500, which is relatively affordable when it comes to plastic surgery.

Doctors work with the patient to precisely measure where to place the dimple. After placement is determined, an incision is made into the cheek muscle (buccinator), at which point the cheek skin is attached. Some swelling typically occurs, and most people have semi-permanent dimples for about two months. Gradually the inflammation goes down and the dimples are only visible when the patient smiles.

However, the risks of dimpleplasty are substantial.

Some doctors warn that although dimpleplasty can be attractive from a cosmetic standpoint, the risks outweigh the benefits.

Mouth incisions are, by nature, extremely susceptible to bacteria. Surgeons typically prescribe a small dose of antibiotics to speed up the healing process and to avoid infection. Patients are also required to use an antiseptic mouthwash multiple times a day to kill any germs, but even with these precautions, infections are a possibility.
Dimpleplasty typically isn’t reversible. Doctors can sometimes remove the attached skin to minimize the dimples, but this isn’t always an option. The artificial dimples can also gradually disappear over time, as the aging process naturally causes the skin to stretch and move.
Some patients also note that their new dimples move or sag after several years. Working with a qualified, experienced surgeon can limit some of these risks. Still, no cosmetic surgery is perfect.

“As the skin ages and loses elasticity, there is no telling how the scars will look as the face begins to droop—designer dimples could become designer disasters within a matter of years,” said a spokesperson for SurgiCare to Fox News.