Researchers from the Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York have analyzed a detailed study on the subject
Yawning affects others by mobilizing them and increasing their vigilance to objects in front of their faces, Science Direct magazine writes, citing the results of an American study.
Researchers at the Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York, and the Department of Biological Sciences at New Southwestern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have analyzed the latest research in animal behavior, psychology and neurology that proves similar properties. of yawning.
Its contagion is a signal for synchronization and coordination of group activities. These reactions are consistent with the physiological significance of yawning, as well as with the frequency of the process in mammals and birds, depending on the context of the situation.
In addition, according to magnetic resonance imaging studies, yawning individuals activate the prefrontal cortex and areas of the upper temporal sulcus of the brain that are responsible for attention during visual search and recognition of potential threats.
Scientist Andrew Gallup confirms some of this evidence with experiment. Participants had to look for snakes or frogs in one of eight photos. Before being shown the images, the volunteers watched two videos, one showing yawning people and the other a neutral scene.
It turned out that the subjects found the dangerous snakes faster if they had previously seen people yawning, but this did not affect the speed with which they look for frogs.
Source: BTA
