- Catherine Maborukoje
- Goosebumps
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Remembering a rousing cadence of songs that stirs a childhood memory; or a sense of being watched or followed or a bone-chilling breeze that sends butterflies down the spine. All of these things cause the same physiological reaction shared by every mammal on the planet. These are called goosebumps.
Goosebumps are tiny, involuntary reactions that serve as whispers from the subconscious, telling tales of awe, fear, joy, and nostalgia.
But ever wondered why humans get goosebumps, in good company — so did Charles Darwin, wondered, while musing about them in his writings on evolution. Goosebumps might protect animals with thick fur from the cold, but for humans, its worth has yet to be understood — so why has it been preserved during evolution all this time?
In a new study, Harvard University scientists have discovered the reason. They said the cell types that cause goosebumps are also important for regulating the stem cells that regenerate the hair follicle and hair. This means that one of the major benefits of goosebumps is to help grow hair. In this wise, bald men and women, may not need to do hair surgery before they can grow their hair back. Just a little goosebumps every day would do.
Furthermore, the study also explains that the skin and the muscle that contracts to create goosebumps are necessary to bridge the sympathetic nerve’s connection to hair follicle stem cells. The sympathetic nerve reacts to cold by contracting the muscle and causing goosebumps in the short term, and by driving hair follicle stem cell activation and new hair growth over the long term.
Moving forward, another research backs the Harvard University Scientists’ research to say ‘goosebump muscle’ holds the key to unlocking new treatments for burns victims and halting the spread of skin cancer. The research sponsored by Professor Rodney Sinclair at the University of Melbourne, notes that goosebumps muscle, known as arrector pili: healing and cell regeneration, could even cure baldness.
Other health benefits of goosebumps are:
1. Enhanced Sensation:
Goosebumps can heighten our sensory experience by making us more aware of our surroundings. When we experience goosebumps, our skin becomes more sensitive, allowing us to perceive touch, temperature, and even emotions more acutely.
2. Boosted Immune System:
Some research suggests that goosebumps may play a role in strengthening the immune system. The brief stress response that triggers goosebumps may stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases.
3. Increased Alertness:
Goosebumps are often accompanied by a surge of adrenaline, which can increase alertness and focus. This physiological response prepares the body for action, making us more vigilant and responsive to our environment. When one is responsive, such will be sensitive and that can make things so easy to identify or discover a cheating partner.
4. Emotional Release:
Goosebumps can be triggered by intense emotional experiences, such as listening to music or watching a powerful movie. This emotional release can be cathartic, helping to reduce stress and promote feelings of relaxation and well-being.
5. Connection with Others:
Sharing a moment that gives you goosebumps with someone else can create a sense of bonding and connection. It allows for the mutual experience of awe, wonder, or excitement, strengthening social ties and fostering empathy.
Sure, scientists have tried to figure out exactly why we get goosebumps. Some attribute it to the primitive fight-or-flight response, while others believe it to be an evolutionary relic leftover from our distant ancestors, but maybe it’s more fun to just enjoy the mystery. After all, they’re a reminder that we’re alive, we’re feeling things, and that’s awesome.
So the next time you feel that familiar tingle creeping across your skin, take a moment to savor the sensation. Embrace the goosebumps as a reminder of the depth of your emotions, the power of nature, and the beauty of connection. When you feel those tiny bumps rising on your skin, embrace them as a sign of your body’s remarkable ability to respond to the world around you. For in those fleeting moments, we are reminded that we are alive – truly alive – and that is a gift worth cherishing.
