Watch Your Nose Chill: Thermal Pics Reveal Stress’s Cool Effect!

Researchers at the University of Sussex have developed a new method to study stress by using thermal cameras to observe changes in facial temperature. When a person experiences stress, blood flow in the face shifts, causing the nose to cool down. This temperature drop can be seen in thermal images, where a warm nose appears yellow or red, and a cold, stressed nose turns blue. The scientists believe that this technique could revolutionize how stress is measured and managed.

Victoria Gill, a science correspondent, participated in the experiment. She was first asked to relax while listening to white noise, which was calming. Suddenly, three strangers entered the room, and she was told to prepare a five-minute speech about her dream job with only three minutes to get ready. The thermal camera captured her nose cooling down as she became stressed. The researchers found that her nose temperature dropped by two degrees, which is a physical reaction where blood is redirected from the nose to the eyes and ears to help the body respond to potential danger.

After the speech, Victoria faced another challenge: counting backwards from 2023 in intervals of 17. Each mistake meant starting over, which added to her stress. Most participants in the study completed the tasks, and their noses returned to normal temperature within minutes. The lead researcher, Professor Gillian Forrester, explained that the speed of recovery could indicate how well someone manages stress and might even help identify risks for anxiety or depression. Because the method is non-invasive, it could be used to monitor stress in people who cannot communicate, such as babies or animals. The team is also testing the technique on chimpanzees and gorillas in sanctuaries, finding that watching videos of baby chimps calms the animals and warms their noses. This research could improve the wellbeing of both humans and animals by providing a better way to understand and manage stress.