Researchers believe humans evolved to have less hair on their faces than their primate relatives so it’s easier to read their moods. Humans are often considered hairless apes, but scientists are still debating why we’re not covered in hair like our primate relatives. No one has pinpointed exactly why this is, but evolutionary reasons include moving from…
Read MorePast Blog: Facial Expressions are Innate, not Learned
A 2008 study conducted by Humintell Director Dr. David Matsumoto and Photographer Bob Willingham investigated whether or not facial expressions of emotion were innate or a product of cultural learning. The study, which was the first of its kind, studied congenitally blind (blind from birth) and sighted judo athletes at the 2004 Paralympic Games and…
Read MoreChildren Unable to Tell Genuine from Faked Sadness
As reported in Asian Scientist, recent research suggests that children as old as 12 have difficulty telling the difference between genuine and fake sadness from facial expressions. Think you can tell the difference between genuine sadness and posed grief? Put yourself to the test! The study that came out of the Australian National University was published…
Read MoreA Genuine Smile
A genuine smile is also known as a Duchenne smile, named after a French Neurophysiologist from the early 1800s. It occurs when the lip corners move up and the muscle around the eyes (orbicularis oculi) moves as well. Oftentimes you see wrinkles around a person’s eyes. This is often described as a “twinkling” or “sparkling” in…
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