Fed2 Star - the newsletter for the space trading game Federation 2

The weekly newsletter for Fed2
by ibgames

EARTHDATE: February 14, 2016

Fed2 Star last page Fed2 Star: Official News page 5 Fed2 Star next page

REAL LIFE NEWS: SEE, I TOLD YOU ART WAS GOOD FOR YOU!

by Hazed

Viewing great art or nature boosts the immune system, according to new research from California University in Berkeley. Looking at natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, or splendid art like the Sistine Chapel, or listening to uplifting music, can help fight off disease.

Art seems to lower levels of chemicals that cause inflammation that can trigger diabetes, heart attacks and other illnesses.

The scientists carried out two experiments on more than 200 young adults. The participants reported on a given day the extent to which they had experienced positive emotions, such as amusement, awe, compassion, contentment, joy, love and pride.

They had samples taken of their gum and cheek tissue, which were checked for levels of cytokine interleukin 6, a marker of inflammation. Those who had experienced more of these positive emotions had the lowest levels of the markers. In particular, wonder and amazement had the greatest effect.

Psychologist Dr Dacher Keltner, of California University in Berkeley, said: “That awe, wonder and beauty promote healthier levels of cytokines suggests the things we do to experience these emotions – a walk in nature, losing oneself in music, beholding art – has a direct influence upon health and life expectancy.”

So in future we could see doctors prescribing a visit to an art gallery, a CD of music or a trip to an outstanding natural feature to go along with drugs.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11403404/Art-does-heal-scientists-say-appreciating-creative-works-can-fight-off-disease.html

Fed2 Star last page Fed2 Star next page