Share
5th October 2019
03:22pm BST
And, as they found, the more mentally overwhelmed they were, the colder their noses got.
The researchers used thermal imaging camera to track the participants' brains while they were doing mental tasks.
When the participants were completely focused on a task, the rate of their breathing changed and blood flow was redirected from the face to the brain to help it work harder.
Lead author Dr Alastair Campbell Ritchie, of the Bioengineering Research Group, said that they were surprised as to how strong the links between mental strain and facial temperature were.
He said:
“We expected that mental demands on an operator would result in physiological changes but the direct correlation between the workload and the skin temperature was very impressive.
“It was counterintuitive. We were not expecting to see the face getting colder. With this accurate way to estimate workload we can develop methods that will assist the operator at times of maximum stress.”
He went on to explain that the thermal imaging technique used in the study could benefit other workplaces to see if employees who have strenuous hours, like pilots, are working to a level that could be detrimental to their performance.
Top Story
It’s really that easy. Christmas is a time for enjoying dinners with loved ones, and for many a night out, especially here in Ireland. During this time, you might notice that friends and members of your family are choosing not to drink, or even just taking it a little easier when it comes to the […]
2 days ago
It’s really that easy. Christmas is a time for enjoying dinners with loved ones, and for many a night out, especially here in Ireland. During this time, you might notice that friends and members of your family are choosing not to drink, or even just taking it a little easier when it comes to the […]
Life
2 days ago
Christmas can be a difficult time for many, especially those with eating disorders. While Christmas can be a happy time for some, many people dread the festive period and feel anxious as the holidays approach. This is particularly true if you or a loved one is experiencing an eating disorder. Around this time of year, […]
Life
3 days ago
Vintage baby names are proving more popular than ever Choosing a name for your little one is never an easy task, but looking into baby name trends can always help whittle down your options. Irish names, three-letter names, and vintage names appear to be some of the most popular at the moment. New mums are […]
Life
4 days ago
Fancy some winter sun or a summer 2026 trip? Popular travel agent loveholidays has launched a huge winter sale just in time for Christmas. Holidaymakers can save up to €400 on holidays from Irish airports, including last minute winter sun for early 2026, or you can book your summer 2026 break. The prices start from […]
Life
1 week ago
These are some of the surprising baby names that have been banned around the world When you’re expecting, coming up with a name can be super exciting. You buy books and consult family members to find out what would fit best. But what if the name you settled on was banned in your country? According […]
Life
1 week ago
“Why couldn’t we matter enough for people to show up?” A bride was left heartbroken after only five people turned up to her wedding. In a video on TikTok, Kalina Marie explained that she had digitally invited 75 people to her meticulously planned Masquerade ball-themed wedding, which was in October. She had also sent out […]
Life
1 week ago
