And now we come full circle. fMRI -- the ubiquitious (and some would say, shark-jumping) brain-imaging technique that lets scientists map mental function by watching different parts of the brain "light up" -- may help explain how we, yes, lighten up.
NYU's study found that optimism emanates from an unlikely source. It turns out that the amygdala, mainly associated with negative emotions like fear and depression, may also be the seat of our inner Stuart Smalley.
The rostral anterior cingulated cortex (rACC) plays a part as well. According to the study, the rACC and the amygdala both lit up like a Christmas tree (excuse the technical jargon) when subjects thunk positive thoughts, especially those related to future events.
If further studies confirm a link between depression and decreased signalling in these areas, fMRI could one day be used to diagnose mood disorders. (I think my amygdala totally lit up just now.)
[via New Scientist]
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