Another mystery of human nature was solved.
Researchers have identified the area of the cerebral cortex, presumably associated with the individual tendency to “contamination” yawn.
There are several hypotheses explaining why yawning is “passed” from one person to another. Often this process is associated with the activity of mirror neurons, however, consensus about the nature of the phenomenon is still there. Researchers from the University of Nottingham has linked contagious yawning with the activity of the primary motor cortex and individual motor excitability of the person.
The study involved 36 adult volunteers. They showed videotapes of people yawning. Participants received different instructions: part volunteers were asked to keep yawning, and part of, on the contrary, urged to yawn as much as you like. Instructions were changed several times. Scientists have calculated the number of blunders and attempts to suppress them in both groups. During the test the scientists used the method of transcranial magnetic stimulation, which allows noninvasive affect different areas of the cerebral cortex.
Scientists have noticed that when a volunteer was asked for to restrain the desire to yawn increased. Effects on the brain using transcranial magnetic stimulation also made people easier to succumb to the desire to repeat the movement. Individual propensity for “contamination” yawning, the researchers explained the activity of primary motor cortex. This area is involved in the regulation of movements of muscles of the human body. According to scientists, it is from the activity of this phase depends on how person is exposed to the contagious effects of yawning.
According to scientists, the results of the study of the causes of yawning can help people suffering from other manifestations of motor irritability. For example, these results can be used to combat the symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome. In this disorder of the Central nervous system of the person regularly performs several types of uncontrolled compulsive movements — ticks.
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