Have you ever looked away when watching a horror movie?
If the answer is "yes", then you're not alone - that's how most people's brain work.
A new study explains this behavior, so let's find out more.
Why you can't look at things you are afraid of
A recent study conducted at the University of Tokyo suggests that a specific cluster of neurons in the visual region of the brain may be responsible for our tendency to avert our gaze from things that scare us.
The researchers focused on fruit flies and found that these neurons release a chemical called tachykinin, which appears to control the fly's movement to avoid facing a potential threat.
How we can understand human brain and reactions better
The findings have potential implications for understanding human reactions to scary situations and phobias since fruit fly brains can offer insights into larger mammals, including humans.
The research team aims to further investigate how these neurons integrate into the broader circuitry of the brain to develop a comprehensive understanding of how fear influences vision.
This knowledge could eventually contribute to a better understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders related to exaggerated fear, such as anxiety disorders and phobias.
