Have you ever wondered why you feel compelled to yawn when you see someone else yawning? It’s true—yawning can be contagious, and not just by seeing it. Even reading the word “yawn” can make you instinctively open your mouth and take a deep breath.
But why does this happen? Scientists have discovered a possible reason for this phenomenon.
Researchers from the University of Bologna in Italy conducted a study on the brain mechanisms that force us to yawn when we see others doing so. They uncovered a unique brain process that makes us mimic the actions of others. According to the research, this process is not only a distinct human behavior but also forms the foundation of social connections. It plays a role in learning new skills from others and strengthening relationships.
To study the mystery of yawning, the researchers used advanced technology. They found that specific areas of the brain, particularly the ventral premotor cortex (PMV) and the primary motor cortex (M1), play a key role in this automatic mimicry. These brain regions connect in a way that makes us automatically copy the behaviors of others, like yawning.
In the study, 80 healthy individuals were divided into four groups and asked to perform various tasks. The results showed that a strong connection between PMV and M1 increased the likelihood of people mimicking behaviors, while a weaker connection had the opposite effect.
This study provides new insights into brain flexibility and could deepen our understanding of human behavior. The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Additionally, a previous study from Temple University revealed that 55% of people yawn simply by reading the word “yawn.” This phenomenon is not limited to humans—other animals such as monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, and some fish have also been observed yawning.
Interesting Facts:
- You can’t stop yourself from yawning by clenching your teeth. Try it, and you’ll find that the mechanism behind yawning forces you to open your jaw.
- Yawning has a positive effect on people’s mood and can make them feel more relaxed.
