Fixes 4 You

Smiling for even a split-second can make a face appear more joyful, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Essex in the United Kingdom. The study found that when someone smiles, it can make other people more likely to perceive happiness.

This groundbreaking work used electrical stimulation to manipulate participants’ muscles into momentary action, resulting in a brief uncontrollable smile. The researchers, led by Dr. Sebastian Korb, are hopeful that their study can help jumpstart further exploration of potential treatments for depression or disorders that affect expression, such as Parkinson’s and autism.

The study utilized an updated version of a technique initially developed in the 19th century by French physician Duchenne de Boulogne. Charles Darwin, meanwhile, went on to publish drawings of Duchenne’s work in The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals – his third major work pertaining to evolution. However, the modern study used much lower voltage to ensure the safety of participants and better control the resulting smiles.

_________