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Related Experiment Videos

Motion sickness: an evolutionary hypothesis.

M Treisman

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |July 29, 1977
    PubMed
    Summary

    Motion sickness, a common yet puzzling evolutionary problem, may stem from sensory conflicts during movement. This response might be an accidental byproduct of a system designed to expel ingested neurotoxins.

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    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Evolutionary Biology
    • Sensory Physiology

    Background:

    • Motion sickness is a widespread phenomenon posing an evolutionary puzzle due to its apparent disadvantage.
    • Existing theories do not fully explain the evolutionary persistence of motion sickness.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To propose a novel hypothesis explaining the evolutionary basis of motion sickness.
    • To investigate the role of sensory input and motor control in triggering motion sickness.

    Main Methods:

    • The study proposes a theoretical framework based on the programming of movements.
    • It analyzes the interplay between visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive inputs.
    • Considers the effects of ingested toxins on sensory and motor systems.

    Main Results:

    • Motion sickness may be triggered by unpredictable perturbations in spatial sensory frameworks.
    • These perturbations can arise from motion or from neurotoxins disrupting sensory-motor programming.
    • Vomiting (emesis) is hypothesized to primarily function in expelling ingested neurotoxins.

    Conclusions:

    • The occurrence of motion sickness in response to motion is likely an accidental byproduct of an ancient neurotoxin-rejection system.
    • This hypothesis offers a potential evolutionary explanation for motion sickness.
    • Understanding this mechanism could inform strategies for managing motion sickness and toxin-induced emesis.

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