Pick Me Up! Why tender touch matters for kids and adults alike

Name: Pick Me Up! Why tender touch matters for kids and adults alike
Start: 2026-03-12T19:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-03-12T21:00:00+00:00
Location: Queen Mary University of London

Thursday 12. March at 19:00 - 21:00

Queen Mary University of London

Our brains, evolved in the perils of the savanna, are constantly monitoring the environment: Is it safe to relax, or should we prepare for a threat? One of the most ancient safety signals is the behavior of our peers. If those around you are in no rush, calmly grooming your fur or nesting in an embrace, your brain receives the signal: you can exhale, too.

For children, this source of information is critical. In the arms of an adult, a child's cortisol levels drop, pain becomes more bearable, and the immune system functions more effectively. In an environment of safety, children grow faster—both physically and intellectually.

Adults often settle for substitutes (Skype calls, pets), yet research confirms that nothing truly replaces direct human contact. Strokes, hugs, and massages have a profound beneficial effect on our well-being.

At the lecture, we will discuss:
🔹Physiological mechanisms of intimacy: What exactly happens inside the body?
🔹The "Daily Dose": How many hugs does a person need for optimal health?
🔹Touch as Therapy: Can physical contact help treat depression and anxiety disorders?
🔹The Future of Affection: When can we get a "hugging robot," and could it ever replace a spouse?

When: March 12th at 19:00
Where: The lecture will be held in the "Drapers Lecture Theatre", Geography Building, Queen Mary University of London.
Language: The lecture will be held in Russian.
Google Maps link: Queen Mary University of London

About the speaker:

Asya Kazantseva is a well-known science journalist, recipient of the Enlightener Prize, author of four bestselling books on the human brain and behavior, and a traveling lecturer. She holds degrees in neurobiology (Biology Department of St. Petersburg State University), cognitive sciences (Master's from HSE University), and molecular neurobiology (Master's from the University of Bristol).

We look forward to seeing you at this fascinating event!

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