Published in Nature Neuroscience (July 2025), Swiss-led research reveals the brain detects potential infection sources in surrounding space and primes immune defenses preemptively. Unlike predator-triggered "fight-or-flight" responses, this mechanism prepares the body for invisible biological threats.
VR-Triggered Immune Prep
Participants exposed to VR avatars showing infection cues (coughing, rashes) exhibited:
⚡ Enhanced tactile sensitivity in near-body space