S1 Ep1: Touching Brains

Future in the Humanities

Is touch perceived differently across societies? How has COVID-19 changed the perception of proximity in different parts of the world?

The opening episode of the series, featuring Sahba Besharati and Victoria Williams, connects the humanities and the neurosciences to show how a greater understanding of localized experiences can strengthen, rather than challenge, universal principles. Most of the world is not 'WEIRD' (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic), but most research in fields like psychology and neuroscience is conducted in WEIRD contexts. Until recently, this research implicitly sought to apply to just everyone on the planet. This principle is increasingly being challenged. In some cases, this requires radical revisions of existing theories. Others, including some discussed in this episode, can lead to those theories being more inclusive.

Click here to learn more about the work done at the Wits Neuroscience Research Lab.

Studies referenced in this episode:

1. Kirsch, L. P., Besharati, S., Papadaki, C., Crucianelli, L., Bertagnoli, S., Ward, N., ... & Fotopoulou, A. (2020). Damage to the right insula disrupts the perception of affective touch. Elife, 9, e47895.
2. Jenkinson, P. M., Papadaki, C., Besharati, S., Moro, V., Gobbetto, V., Crucianelli, L., ... & Fotopoulou, A. (2020). Welcoming back my arm: affective touch increases body ownership following right-hemisphere stroke. Brain communications, 2(1), fcaa034.

Produced by Andile Masuku and Iginio Gagliardone. Co-produced by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine. Written by Andile Masuku. Recording, editing, sound design and mixing by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine.