The acoustic startle response is an unconditional reflex manifested as a rapid contraction of facial and skeletal muscles in response to a sudden and intense startling stimulus. Translational research ...

A flight experiences a partial loss of power on takeoff. The climb is immediately sluggish, and the pilot (and passengers) feel a sickening drop in acceleration. In that instant, the natural pilot ...

People who startle easily in response to threatening images or loud sounds seem to have a biological predisposition to adopt conservative political positions on many hot-button issues, according to ...

Variations in a gene that regulates the brain chemical dopamine may help explain why some people are more prone to anxiety than others, a new study suggests. The gene in question, known as COMT, ...

We all jump at an unexpected noise or touch, but in some people, this startle response is exaggerated, and can cause falls and even death. Now, researchers in the United Kingdom have found new genes ...

The startle reflex is a rapid, involuntary response to sudden acoustic stimuli, and its study has provided valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying motor preparation. Research in this ...

Hyperekplexia is a genetic condition characterized by an exaggerated startle reaction to sudden loud sounds, movement, or touch. The muscles may stiffen as a result. Hyperekplexia is a rare condition.

With surprise or startle, our eyes widen and blink, our eyebrows are up, our mouth opens, our body may twitch or lurch, and our hand may reach to cover our cheek, forehead, or chest. The emotion has a ...

Anthropogenic activities and climate change have resulted in an increase of hypoxic conditions in nearshore ecosystems worldwide. Depending on the persistence of a hypoxic event, the survival of ...

MINNEAPOLIS — You've probably heard of a "jump scare"--a common trick used in horror films and haunted houses causing you to freak out. If you've ever experienced one, it's probably because you're ...