In Sights

Oct. 1, 2008
Is it possible to scientifically measure emotions such as love, forgiveness, and compassion? A new study hopes to do so, and to eventually answer a related

Is it possible to scientifically measure emotions such as love, forgiveness, and compassion? A new study hopes to do so, and to eventually answer a related question about whether these abilities can be expanded through practice. Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UWM) are using sensors to measure and quantify brain activity related to human emotions. Wearing a 128-channel geodesic sensor net, Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard sits in a soundproof room before participating in an electroencephalography (EEG) test. Ricard is a participant in this research study led by Richard Davidson that monitors a subject's brain waves during various forms of meditation, including compassion meditation.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 27, 2025
Ensure workplace safety and compliance with our comprehensive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Training course. Learn critical procedures to prevent serious injuries.
June 27, 2025
Join our expert webinar to discover essential safety control measures and best practices for engineering a truly safe and compliant industrial environment.
June 25, 2025
An innovative aircraft with electric drives combines the best of both worlds. The cross between drone and helicopter could mean significantly faster and more efficient air emergency...
June 25, 2025
Effective when other materials fail, ceramics are particularly suitable for applications requiring wear and chemical resistance, sliding characteristics or biocompatibility. Discover...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!