For example,
Virtual reality can help body:
Essential
- A Swiss study reveals that seeing patients in virtual reality is enough to activate our immune system. Similarly,
- The brain detects the threat and triggers an answer, even without real contact with a virus. Meanwhile,
- This discovery opens the way to new prevention strategies. Meanwhile,
Can our body anticipate a viral attack even before being exposed to a real danger? Moreover, This is what the work of a team of Swiss researchers suggests. Consequently, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience : They found that the simple fact of being confronted with virtual patients, completely fictitious, could be enough to activate our immune system. Meanwhile, A discovery that opens up new perspectives in terms of prevention.
When the virtual triggers a very real reaction – Virtual reality can help body
virtual reality can help body
Scientists at the University of Geneva called on 248 young healthy adults. Using virtual reality headsets (VR). participants were immersed in a world populated by avatars, some displaying signs of infection – coughs, pimples, pain expressions, etc. – and others with a frightened or neutral air. In parallel, their brain activity was recorded. Result: faced with sick characters. their brain regularly activated “The salience network”an area of the brain which mainly detects “Stimulating protruding, including threats”according to a press releaseEuronews.

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But even more surprising: blood tests have revealed a significant increase in the activity of immune cells called “Innate lymphoid cells”. These cells play a crucial role in the rapid reaction to pathogens. “We thought we observed a very light reaction, explains Dr Camilla Jandus, immunologist and co-author of the study. See cell changes in a few hours, we did not expect it. “
virtual reality can help body
An anticipated biological alarm
This ability to react to a fictitious threat could be a useful anticipation mechanism. “Often, when the infectious threat enters the body, it is too late, note the researcher. This virtual alert system could allow the organization to prepare to respond “. These results complete other works which demonstrate that “Our body works as a smoke detector” : It can react to deceived but potentially dangerous signals by inflammation. nausea, diarrhea or pain.
Towards a new prevention route?

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If the effects of VR on immunity must still be confirmed on wider groups, researchers plan to use these fictitious environments to strengthen responses to vaccines or help allergic people to better tolerate certain agents. By virtually exposing the body. it would be possible to “Prepare the body to react better the day the real infection occurs”concludes Jandus.
virtual reality can help body
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