Marvel at human anatomy's abilities that can tell the future, save your life and more.
Have you ever felt your joints throb before a thunderstorm? Experienced a sudden migraine during a cold front? Had the scent of cologne catapult you to a distant memory? Our bodies can do some spectacular and seemingly inexplicable things. Here, experts decode nine of the body's oddest abilities—some of which you may not even know you have.
1- Your eyes can warn you when your body's too cold.
Everyone shivers when they're chilly, but how can we tell if temperatures are verging on dangerous? According to Rupe Hansra, OD, senior director of eye care at LensCrafters, the eyes are the windows to signs of extreme cold. "When hypothermia becomes severe, blood vessels in the eyes constrict to conserve energy," says Dr. Hansra. And that can result in temporary blindness, which model Kate Upton experienced firsthand during her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover shoot in Antarctica. Temperatures reportedly dipped as low as -20°F while
she was there.
2- Your heart rate can foretell the future.
Your heart doesn't know when you'll get married or how much you'll receive in tax returns, but findings from a recent study show that people's tickers can anticipate certain events without any cues. Researchers from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, the University of California, Irvine, and the Università di Padova in Italy showed subjects a series of images in an unpredictable order and studied their reactions. Some images were neutral; others were meant to illicit an excited response. The scientists discovered a quickened heart rate as much as 10 seconds before the presentation of a stimulating image, suggesting that hearts can sense when something thrilling or disturbing is about to happen. So listen to your heart!
3- A woman's vagina can get turned on before her brain can.
You'd think you'd know when you're aroused, but a study from the Netherlands disagrees. Researchers showed women erotic videos, and, thanks to well-placed gadgets, learned that vaginas self-lubricate well before women are aware they're turned on, says Astroglide's sexual health and relationship ambassador, Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD. These findings "counter the idea that men are more visual than women," adds Dr. Fulbright.
4- Your pupils can reveal when you're in love.
If you want to keep your affection for someone secret, stay in dim light when he's nearby. "When you're attracted to someone, your pupils tend to dilate," Dr. Hansra divulges. You can thank the sympathetic nervous system, which controls pupil dilation, for giving you away. This doesn't occur only when you're attracted to someone—you can also go wide-eyed when looking at anything aesthetically pleasing, from a tempting dessert to a stunning sunrise.
5- Your eyes can predict that spring is coming.
The weather outside might be frightful, but early allergies may suggest that warmer days are around the corner. "Pollen and spore count increase before the weather turns, and your eyes pick up on this first, causing them to itch and water," Dr. Hansra says. Who needs Groundhog Day when your own two eyes can tip you off about spring's arrival?.
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