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Touch and the Brain, Neurons in Human Skin Perform Advanced Calculations

Touch and the Brain, Neurons in Human Skin Perform Advanced Calculations

“What one sense would you choose if you had to spend the rest of your life with only one sense?” That was the question last Thursday night in my hot topics discussion group. Many of us chose touch. Here is a research article on how the skin can process information previously thought to happen only in the brain.

Date: September 1, 2014 Source: Umeå University
Summary:
Neurons in human skin perform advanced calculations, previously believed that only the brain could perform. A characteristic of neurons that extend into the skin and record touch, is that they branch in the skin so that each neuron reports touch from many highly-sensitive zones on the skin. According to researchers, this branching allows first-order tactile neurons not only to send signals to the brain that something has touched the skin, but also process Geometric data about the object touching the skin. 

Work performed in Andrew Pruszynski's lab.
Credit: Mattias Pettersson
Neurons in human skin perform advanced calculations, previously believed that only the brain could perform. This is according to a study from Umeå University in Sweden published in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
A fundamental characteristic of neurons that extend into the skin and record touch, so-called first-order neurons in the tactile system, is that they branch in the skin so that each neuron reports touch from many highly-sensitive zones on the skin.
According to researchers at the Department of Integrative Medical Biology, IMB, Umeå University, this branching allows first-order tactile neurons not only to send signals to the brain that something has touched the skin, but also process geometric data about the object touching the skin.
"Our work has shown that two types of first-order tactile neurons that supply the sensitive skin at our fingertips not only signal information about when and how intensely an object is touched, but also information about the touched object's shape" says Andrew Pruszynski, who is one of the researchers behind the study.
The study also shows that the sensitivity of individual neurons to the shape of an object depends on the layout of the neuron's highly-sensitive zones in the skin.
"Perhaps the most surprising result of our study is that these peripheral neurons, which are engaged when a fingertip examines an object, perform the same type of calculations done by neurons in the cerebral cortex. Somewhat simplified, it means that our touch experiences are already processed by neurons in the skin before they reach the brain for further processing" says Andrew Pruszynski.


Story Source:
The above story is based on materials provided by Umeå UniversityNote: Materials may be edited for content and length.


Journal Reference:
1.     J Andrew Pruszynski, Roland S Johansson. Edge-orientation processing in first-order tactile neuronsNature Neuroscience, 2014; DOI: 10.1038/nn.3804



Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Morning Goodbye Rituals for Couples, Patti's Video Tips

Morning Goodbye Rituals for Couples
Patti's Video Tips
 
Body Language Tips for how to say goodbye each morning to your spouse.

Below is the link:



When anyone you love leaves your presence for any reason, for any destination or for any period of time, don't ever just casually say goodbye. As you part, remember in your heart what your relationship means to you, always remembering that this could be the last time you might see each other. When you are given the blessing of their return, welcome that opportunity as the gift it is, another chance to live the relationship as you want it to become.


If you treat every leaving and greeting ritual with that kind of treasuring, you will also receive a wonderful bonus. The conscious intent to treasure saying "goodbye" and "hello" with the gratitude that should accompany both becomes the foundation for extending that appreciation to other parts of your relationship. With each fully appreciated reconnection, you are reminded to recommit to more successful interactions in the future and to leaving less helpful ones behind.


I have created a video with tips on goodbye rituals for couples.

Below is the link:

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

True North - How to Tell if Someone is Lying

True North - How to Tell if Someone is Lying


Body Language Expert and Professional Speaker Patti Wood shares a simple way to help develop your ability to tell if someone is lying. This is a body language method to detect lies. A technique to quickly and accurately tell if someone is lying.

Below is the video:
http://youtu.be/QQw4PCi18i0

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Gamesmanship Gender Difference in Handshakes

Gamesmanship Gender Difference in Handshakes 


Why is it important to shake hands at the beginning and end of interactions? There are significant gender based differences in Handshakes. Body Language Expert, professional speaker, and author Patti Wood discusses how to reduce conflict with a handshake.

I created this video to give you tips on gamesmanship gender differences in handshakes.

Below is the video:
http://youtu.be/QycXmwSz1PU


Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

"Tie Signs" How Do You Know If He Likes You? Body Language and Attraction Tie Signs

"Tie Signs" How Do You Know If He Likes You? Body Language and Attraction Tie Signs


I just did an interview for Cosmopolitan magazine on attraction signals. One set of body language cues that can show liking and attraction are tie signs. 


A man touching you affectionately when you are in public spaces can serve as a ‘tie sign’ that shows others that you are his partner and or that you are “taken.” When a man reaches out to hold hands, puts his arm around you, puts his hand on the center of your lower back to guide and protect you, he his giving you and others  ‘tie signs’ showing others that you are together. The use of ‘tie signs’ is used more often by couples in the dating and courtship stages than between their married counterparts according to Burgoon, Buller, and Woodall.

Studies have also shown gender difference in who touches when. In the initial stages of a relationship, men often follow gender roles and go first, touching first and most often. Men tend to touch more and after initial touch in casual relationships and as the relationship became more intimate during serious dating. American culture still dictates that men make the first move.

Do be careful of any signal that indicates the man possesses you as an object rather than a desire to link his body with yours in a way that shows connection. Puff Daddy often takes his arm and holds a woman around her back and neck and lets his hand dangle in front. The arm around shows ownership with the dangling hand rather than hand touching and or gently cupping her arm shows a desire to overwhelm rather than tenderness.  


Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.