In a revealing scientific experiment, the findings published in scientific journal PLoS One , Dr Dr Bettina Pause and colleagues at the University of Dusseldorf in Germany suggest that ,we can subconsciously detect ,whether others are scared by picking up chemicals released by their bodies.

They conducted the experiment by putting cotton pad under the armpit of a group of volunteer.

- experiencing anxiety and panic ,while facing a University examination and

- in normal state of mind,While doing regular exercise.

These cotton pads were then sniffed by another set of volunteers, while their brain activities being monitored by MRI scanner.

Apparently , the members of this second group were unable to detect the difference in smell of both the types but the MRI findings monitoring their brain activities told a different story :-

1.The Pre-exam sweat had a different effect on brain activity, lighting up areas that process social and emotional signals.

2.The Pre-exam sweet also activates several areas of our brain, thought to be involved in induction of empathy.

The researchers conclude that - The anxiety leading to fear in us can prompt the release of a chemical that bypasses conscious experience, automatically triggering similar feelings in anyone who sniffs it.

This happens because,chemical signals emitted by our body in sweat when scared ,can be picked up by others - triggering fear in their brains.

In my opinion-this finding could have a far reaching implications, while determining the effectiveness of common leaders by established concept of interconnectedness, through mirror neurons in the brain of the leader and the followers.

Sometime back, i wrote an article on this subject and now posting the link to the same for your ready reference- Interconnectedness - A Real Success Story

So, the finding in a nut shell is - " Human smell carries emotional meaning also."

Now i wonder, if anxiety can induce empathy in us - Can it induce motivation as well ?

Author : Abhijit Kar

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