Scimyst
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Discoveries
    • All
    • 1001 Mysteries
    • Aliens & UFOs
    • Animal World
    • Archaeology
    • Biology
    • Doomsday
    • Famous Landmarks
    • History
    • Mars Exploration
    • Military Science
    • Oceanography
    • Science Q&A
    • Scientific Discoveries
    • Space Science
    • Why
    • World Figures
    • World Wonders
    thanh pho trang 650

    The Lost City of 500 Years Containing Flesh-Eating Parasites

    creating the worlds first plasma lamp not using a wire just throw it away 133669

    Creating the world’s most durable plasma lamp that doesn’t “take a break” after a few days of use

    which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world every year 136695

    Which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world, “experiencing” the most super typhoons each year?

    strange spc exoplanet

    10 Most Strange Things of the Universe

    thuan tay trai 650

    Left-Handed People and 16 “Shocking” Facts

    cham do ben khoe mieng 650

    The Secret of the Two Red Dots at the Corner of the Mouth of the Tang Dynasty Concubine

    tinh van con cua 650

    Revealing Unseen Images of the Crab Nebula through the James Webb Space Telescope

    cau hon o phap 650

    Banning Bathing, Forcing Tears, and Strange Wedding Customs Around the World

    isaac Newton1

    10 Famous Inventions of Isaac Newton

  • Events
    • All
    • Science Stories
    • Scientific Projects

    Tonight announces the Ig Nobel Prize winners

    frog

    Frog Wins Ig Nobel Prize 2005

    canhcutIg

    Life is Not Lacking in Quirks

    Nobel Prize in Medicine 2005: A Modern Fairy Tale

    10 Weird Inventions Awarded the Ig Nobel Prize 2005

    nobelKT

    Why Did They Win the Nobel Prize in Economics?

    giaydientu

    “Electronic Paper” Set to Appear on the Market

    Development of Science and Technology in the South Central Coast and Central Highlands Provinces

    a russian scientist loves vietnam 1659

    A Russian Scientist Who Loves Vietnam

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Environment
    • Medicine & Health
    tdnong

    Global warming may be the cause of major storms

    traxanh1

    Green tea has effects against dementia

    Discovery of Cancer-Preventing Genes in the Human Body

    Khachdulich Indonesia

    Avian influenza harms tourism more than terrorism

    nao

    Lying – A Disease of People with Brain Defects

    cafe

    Coffee May Prevent Cancer

    tebaocum

    Recreating the ‘Death’ Flu Virus of 1918

    Indo ban

    The whole world unites to fight avian influenza

    HIV aids

    The Mystery of AIDS Epidemic

  • Technology
    • All
    • AI - Artificial Intelligence
    • Computer Science
    • New Technology
    • Scientific Inventions
    top apps explore space solar system on pc 98000

    Top Applications for Exploring the Universe and Solar System on PC

    vai dien tu 650

    Soon there will be data-transmitting clothing

    sua loi khong vao dc coc coc 650

    Why can’t Cốc Cốc download videos to the computer?

    may tinh cu 1

    17 Things You Can Do with an Old Computer

    play free games super fun on android devices 54708

    Play Extremely Fun Free Games on Android Devices

    top 10 best weather apps on android 98127

    Top 10 Best Astronomy Apps on Android

    canh tay robot 650

    Robot system helps neutralize mines

    trang trai noi o rotterdam 650

    Modern Cities Combining Gardens and Cattle Farms

    city tree 650

    “High-tech” trees can purify polluted air

  • Cultural Heritage
    ai cap 650

    The Ruins of Memphis & the Pyramid Complex from Giza to Dahshur – Egypt

    khao co 650

    Prehistoric Archaeological Sites in the Dordogne Valley and Caves in the Vézère Valley – France

    baroque churches philippines 67188

    Baroque Churches – Philippines

    mont saint michel france 67265

    Mont Saint Michel Island – France

    acropolis bracelet in athens greece 67621

    Acropolis Fortress in Athens – Greece

    language mo tan thuy hoang china 67087

    Tomb of Qin Shi Huang – China

    historical city ayutthaya 67804

    Historical City of Ayutthaya

    historical city ayutthaya 67804 2

    Historic City of Ayutthaya

    mesa verde national park 67201

    Mesa Verde National Park – United States of America

  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Photo Library
    • Videos

    Honesty

    Telephone

    Advanced Technology

    Terminal Illness

    Allergy

    Love Like Mars

    Super Definition

    Coi Sách

    Selling Candy

No Result
View All Result
Scimyst
  • Home
  • Discoveries
    • All
    • 1001 Mysteries
    • Aliens & UFOs
    • Animal World
    • Archaeology
    • Biology
    • Doomsday
    • Famous Landmarks
    • History
    • Mars Exploration
    • Military Science
    • Oceanography
    • Science Q&A
    • Scientific Discoveries
    • Space Science
    • Why
    • World Figures
    • World Wonders
    thanh pho trang 650

    The Lost City of 500 Years Containing Flesh-Eating Parasites

    creating the worlds first plasma lamp not using a wire just throw it away 133669

    Creating the world’s most durable plasma lamp that doesn’t “take a break” after a few days of use

    which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world every year 136695

    Which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world, “experiencing” the most super typhoons each year?

    strange spc exoplanet

    10 Most Strange Things of the Universe

    thuan tay trai 650

    Left-Handed People and 16 “Shocking” Facts

    cham do ben khoe mieng 650

    The Secret of the Two Red Dots at the Corner of the Mouth of the Tang Dynasty Concubine

    tinh van con cua 650

    Revealing Unseen Images of the Crab Nebula through the James Webb Space Telescope

    cau hon o phap 650

    Banning Bathing, Forcing Tears, and Strange Wedding Customs Around the World

    isaac Newton1

    10 Famous Inventions of Isaac Newton

  • Events
    • All
    • Science Stories
    • Scientific Projects

    Tonight announces the Ig Nobel Prize winners

    frog

    Frog Wins Ig Nobel Prize 2005

    canhcutIg

    Life is Not Lacking in Quirks

    Nobel Prize in Medicine 2005: A Modern Fairy Tale

    10 Weird Inventions Awarded the Ig Nobel Prize 2005

    nobelKT

    Why Did They Win the Nobel Prize in Economics?

    giaydientu

    “Electronic Paper” Set to Appear on the Market

    Development of Science and Technology in the South Central Coast and Central Highlands Provinces

    a russian scientist loves vietnam 1659

    A Russian Scientist Who Loves Vietnam

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Environment
    • Medicine & Health
    tdnong

    Global warming may be the cause of major storms

    traxanh1

    Green tea has effects against dementia

    Discovery of Cancer-Preventing Genes in the Human Body

    Khachdulich Indonesia

    Avian influenza harms tourism more than terrorism

    nao

    Lying – A Disease of People with Brain Defects

    cafe

    Coffee May Prevent Cancer

    tebaocum

    Recreating the ‘Death’ Flu Virus of 1918

    Indo ban

    The whole world unites to fight avian influenza

    HIV aids

    The Mystery of AIDS Epidemic

  • Technology
    • All
    • AI - Artificial Intelligence
    • Computer Science
    • New Technology
    • Scientific Inventions
    top apps explore space solar system on pc 98000

    Top Applications for Exploring the Universe and Solar System on PC

    vai dien tu 650

    Soon there will be data-transmitting clothing

    sua loi khong vao dc coc coc 650

    Why can’t Cốc Cốc download videos to the computer?

    may tinh cu 1

    17 Things You Can Do with an Old Computer

    play free games super fun on android devices 54708

    Play Extremely Fun Free Games on Android Devices

    top 10 best weather apps on android 98127

    Top 10 Best Astronomy Apps on Android

    canh tay robot 650

    Robot system helps neutralize mines

    trang trai noi o rotterdam 650

    Modern Cities Combining Gardens and Cattle Farms

    city tree 650

    “High-tech” trees can purify polluted air

  • Cultural Heritage
    ai cap 650

    The Ruins of Memphis & the Pyramid Complex from Giza to Dahshur – Egypt

    khao co 650

    Prehistoric Archaeological Sites in the Dordogne Valley and Caves in the Vézère Valley – France

    baroque churches philippines 67188

    Baroque Churches – Philippines

    mont saint michel france 67265

    Mont Saint Michel Island – France

    acropolis bracelet in athens greece 67621

    Acropolis Fortress in Athens – Greece

    language mo tan thuy hoang china 67087

    Tomb of Qin Shi Huang – China

    historical city ayutthaya 67804

    Historical City of Ayutthaya

    historical city ayutthaya 67804 2

    Historic City of Ayutthaya

    mesa verde national park 67201

    Mesa Verde National Park – United States of America

  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Photo Library
    • Videos

    Honesty

    Telephone

    Advanced Technology

    Terminal Illness

    Allergy

    Love Like Mars

    Super Definition

    Coi Sách

    Selling Candy

No Result
View All Result
Scimyst
No Result
View All Result
Home Lifestyle

Cuddling a Dog Has Healing Effects on the Brain

by Sci
October 13, 2022
in Lifestyle
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Everyone knows that dogs provide profound benefits for our mental health. However, a recent study shows that these animals can also positively impact our brains in surprisingly different ways.

Scientists have analyzed the effects of petting dogs on the prefrontal cortex, revealing that this action may enhance animal-assisted therapy methods for humans. The findings were published in the journal PLOS ONE.

The prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in processing emotions and regulating tasks related to executive functions, such as attention, maintaining working memory, and problem-solving. The researchers aimed to understand how this part of the brain would respond when interacting with dogs, one of the most popular pets in animal-assisted therapies.

Rahel Marti told Inverse: “We decided to start this study because very few people know about the brain’s response to interaction with animals.” Marti is the lead author of the study and a researcher at the psychology department of the University of Basel.

Dogs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years.
Dogs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years. Over this time, we have domesticated and transformed them from fearsome wild wolves into obedient house pets. Dogs are also one of the most varied species in the animal kingdom, thanks to our breeding activities. However, a new study scanning the brains of dogs shows profound changes when they live alongside humans.

Marti’s research team analyzed the prefrontal cortex activity of 21 volunteers when exposed to dogs or stuffed animals compared to neutral activities like staring at a blank wall. The researchers measured their brain activity using a method called near-infrared spectroscopy, a non-invasive way to calculate oxygen saturation in the brain. This method has advantages over other brain imaging techniques like fMRI, as participants can sit in a normal room and feel more comfortable.

During the stuffed animal activities, the researchers placed them on the participants’ laps for viewing, after which they could pet the toy. Similarly, dogs would lie on the couch, touch the participants, and in the next instance, participants were allowed to pet the animal.

The study yielded two significant findings that provide insights into the impact of dogs on the human brain.

First: Brain activity in the prefrontal cortex increases when participants are in closer contact with stuffed animals or live dogs.

Marti stated, “Our results confirm previous studies linking closer interactions with animals or controlling stimuli to increased brain activation.”

However, the second finding is even more intriguing: Study participants experienced higher brain activity when petting dogs compared to interacting with stuffed animals. This aligns with previous research on horses and cats, but this is the first study to document an increase in human brain activity when interacting with dogs.

“The novelty here is that we considered different interactions: watching, feeling, and petting,” Marti added.

While brain activity decreased between the first and second interactions with stuffed animals, the opposite occurred when volunteers interacted with dogs—a result that surprised scientists. Although researchers have yet to definitively explain why brain activity increases over time when petting dogs.

Humans are more likely to think about a dog's emotions when petting them.
Humans are more likely to think about a dog’s emotions when petting them.

Marti remarked, “Our explanation is that participants formed an attachment bond with the dog.”

This bond may lead participants to invest emotionally in the animal, resulting in greater attention—indicated by higher activity in the prefrontal cortex—when petting a dog compared to a stuffed animal. Previous studies have shown that animals can enhance attention in humans, likely by strengthening their emotional attachment—for example, people are more likely to think about a dog’s feelings when petting them.

Marti explained, “We believe that engagement with emotions may be a fundamental mechanism of brain activation in interactions between humans and animals.”

The article suggests that petting a dog may engage our emotions and attention in ways that stimuli like stuffed animals cannot. Dogs may help patients who struggle with attention in social situations.

Marti stated, “Our results could align with therapy for patients experiencing diminished motivation, attention, and social communication functions.”

Further research will be needed to confirm and build upon Marti’s study before dog therapy can assist individuals with attention deficits. Future studies may focus on whether all participants benefit from enhanced emotional interaction and attention when petting puppies or if this finding applies only to those who already like dogs.

  • What are Rossby waves and how do they affect our weather?
  • First aerial footage shows orcas hunting great white sharks
  • Which countries are polluting space the most?
Tags: caress the puppycuddle the puppypet the puppywhich setwhich shell first
Next Post
the science of just right hand improving the flavor of beer to be better than ever 123559

Science has just "tipped its fingers" to improve beer flavor to be better than ever

arranging forms of registration is the giant spiral spirals on saturn that shocked scientists 123563

Arranged in strange shapes, giant tornadoes on Jupiter astonish the scientific community

the planet with water has appeared in the earths orbit but faces disaster 123562

A Planet with Life Has Emerged Next to Earth, But Faces Disaster

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FEATURED POST

the mystery of the mummified woman misidentified as an egyptian pharaoh 129359

The Mystery of the Mummy of the Woman Mistaken for the Pharaoh of Egypt

space monsters in mythology first appearance 129358

Cosmic Monster ‘in Legend’ Appears for the First Time

the most dangerous coastline in the world haunting the dreams of mangrove forests 108247

The world’s most dangerous strait – The haunting toll measured in sailors’ lives

10 amazing natural phenomena that challenge science 60818

23 Mysterious Natural Phenomena That Challenge Science

TRENDING

no cave no peak excluding china leaves the world amazed when building a bridge like a dragon flying over the river 136956
Scientific Discoveries

No Tunnels, No Supports: China Stuns the World with a Bridge that Floats like Silk on the River

nguoi ai cap co dai 650
Scientific Discoveries

What Race Are the Egyptians Ultimately? Why Are They Different from Today’s Africans?

12 causes of throat congestion and hoarseness 101795
Common Illnesses

17 Causes of Throat Tightness and Belching

the shirt that helps users hide security camera 126214
Lifestyle

The shirt that helps users hide from security cameras

EDITOR PICK'S

12-Year-Old Prodigy Graduates from University, Proving Albert Einstein “Wrong”

What Race Are the Egyptians Ultimately? Why Are They Different from Today’s Africans?

No Tunnels, No Supports: China Stuns the World with a Bridge that Floats like Silk on the River

The shirt that helps users hide from security cameras

23 Mysterious Natural Phenomena That Challenge Science

17 Causes of Throat Tightness and Belching

What Would Happen If Elephants in the Zoo Fought?

Newsletter

THE MOST IMPORTANT WORLD NEWS AND EVENTS OF THE DAY

Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

Category

  • 1001 Mysteries
  • AI – Artificial Intelligence
  • Aliens & UFOs
  • Animal World
  • Antibiotic Resistance
  • Archaeology
  • Bacteria & Insects
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Climate & Weather

Site Link

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

About Us

At Scimyst, we uncover the wonders of science, history, and culture. From ancient mysteries to modern innovations, our stories inspire curiosity and connect you to the fascinating world around us. Explore the unknown with us!

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact

© 2025 Scimyst - Your gateway to the wonders of science and culture

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Discoveries
    • 1001 Mysteries
    • Aliens & UFOs
    • Animal World
    • Archaeology
    • Biology
      • Bacteria & Insects
      • Biotechnology
      • Plants
    • Doomsday
    • Famous Landmarks
    • History
      • This Day in History
    • Military Science
    • Mars Exploration
    • Oceanography
    • Science Q&A
    • Science Quiz
    • Scientific Discoveries
    • Space Science
    • Why
    • World Figures
    • World Wonders
      • Cultural Heritage
      • Vietnamese Heritage
  • Technology
    • AI – Artificial Intelligence
    • Computer Science
    • New Technology
      • Self-Driving Cars
    • Scientific Inventions
  • Lifestyle
    • Cancer
    • Environment
      • Climate & Weather
      • Disasters
      • Latest Storm Updates
      • Nature
      • Solutions
    • Medicine & Health
      • Antibiotic Resistance
      • Common Illnesses
      • Dengue Fever
      • Family Medicine Cabinet
      • Food Safety
      • Health
      • Influenza Outbreak
    • Scientific Applications
  • Events
    • Science Events
    • Science Stories
    • Scientific Projects
  • Entertainment
    • Photo Library
    • Videos

© 2025 Scimyst - Your gateway to the wonders of science and culture