By - Snigdha Nair
‘Pinocchio’ is a cautionary tale known across the globe. The satirical novel, titled ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’ was first penned by Carlo Collodi in 1883. The intent behind the children’s book was to highlight the detrimental consequences of lying. Hence, the nose.
However, it isn’t mere fiction. The entire phenomenon actually seems to be scientifically accurate.
According to conclusions drawn by the Experimental Psychology department in the University of Granada, when a person lies, they experience the “Pinocchio Effect”. This effect is when there is an increase in temperature around the nose and in the inner corner of the eye. ('Pinocchio effect' confirmed: When you lie, your nose temperature rises, 2012)
Additionally, lying takes up a considerable mental effort and leads to anxiety which causes a rise in facial temperature. Research has substantiated this with applications of thermography. Thermography is a technique that relies on body temperature. First developed during the 2nd world war to provide night vision, has been applied in multiple fields since then. Thermographic cameras have numerous uses in a wide range including measuring thermal energy lost in buildings due to poor insulation, indicating respiratory diseases, and rabies in racoons. The Pinocchio Effect is said to affect men and women alike, with minute differences.
But what causes this effect? The answer is Catecholamines, a type of nuerohormone. Nuerohormones are chemicals made by nerve cells and are used to send signals to other cells. (NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms, 2022)
Catecholamines are produced by neurohormones in the brain, nerve tissues, and adrenal glands. Produced in response to sweating, anxiety and a rise in body temperature as mentioned previously. These symptoms are often a result of the moral wrong we feel when we lie. The production of catecholamine is minimal for white lies and increases as our guilt increases. It is also produced when we have anxiety and severe panic attacks. Beyond a certain level, catecholamine can have detrimental effects. Catecholamine-induced cardiotoxicity can be fatal. This can also be induced by the severe consequences of lying and the guilt that follows.
While it is almost impossible for our noses to increase in length, the production of catecholamine causes the nose to grow and itch, creating the illusion of a growing nose in appearance. In pinocchio’s case, the growth of the nose was emphasized to underscore the moral of the story. Ultimately, your nose isn’t going to grow with a few lies but it would be best to stick to truth anyway.
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