11:00 am

Can an ecological fear reaction reduce chronic low-grade inflammation? (Seed funded project 2023)

Louise Bønnelykke-Behrndtz, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University

Abstract: A fear reaction is fundamental for human survival and designed for escaping danger. This natural fear response is associated with healthy and transient activation of the immune system, thus providing effective mechanisms against potential trauma and pathogens. If activation of the immune system fails to resolve it results in continuous low-grade inflammation, which is present in around 10% of otherwise healthy individuals, and associated with the risk of several diseases.

In this study, we aim to investigate whether an ecological fear reaction can provide non-medical immune modulation and resolution of low-grade inflammation, including volunteers signing up for the Dystopia Haunted House event in 2023. Participants will have markers of fear and inflammatory levels estimated at baseline, on-site, and post-event, providing a better understanding of the dynamics and interaction between the adrenergic and immune systems.

11:30 am

(Topic TBA)

About the speaker

Pantelis Analytis, Associate Professor, Department of Marketing and Management and the Danish Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Southern Denmark

Free of charge - All are welcome