Body signals such as heartbeat and breathing accompany us constantly, often unnoticed as background noise of our perception. Even in the earliest years of life, these signals are important as they contribute to the development of self-awareness and identity. However, until know little has been known about whether and how babies can perceive their own body signals. A recent study demonstrates for the first time that babies as young as 3 months can perceive their own heartbeat.
Read more …Perceiving one's own body: Babies sense their heartbeat and breathing
Have you ever gone to a store or a restaurant where the music was so annoying that you walked right out? Now imagine what it must be like for the employees. In a new study, researchers found that when background music at a workplace is out of sync with what workers need to do their jobs, it can affect their energy, mood -- and even performance.
Read more …'Ugh, not that song!' Background music impacts employees
Even in the case of uncomplicated infections, the body prepares itself early on for the possibility of a more severe course. A research team has now uncovered this mechanism. The scientists showed that, right at the onset of mild illness, the body also produces special T cells previously known only from chronic, severe infections and tumors.
Read more …Findings on T cell exhaustion: The body prepares early for mild to severe disease