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    • Mar 25

Studying Dogs and Brain Activity

A new study published by medical journal PLOS One found that interacting with dogs stimulates and strengthens the brain waves that are associated with relaxation. Study participants first stared at a wall for a few minutes to minimize brain activity, and then spent time petting, walking, grooming, and playing with a poodle while wearing an EEG. The EEG measured electrical activity in the brain, and researchers conversed with participants about their emotions during the experiment. The results show that interacting with dogs can increase attention, lower stress levels, and allow people to feel relaxed and rested. This promising study lays the groundwork for future research in order to understand the full scope of effects dogs have on human behavior and brain activity. 

Image via CNN 


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