Visual recognition of facial expression modulates our social interactions. Compelling experimental evidence indicates that face conveys plenty of information that are fundamental for humans to interact. These are encoded at neural level in specific cortical and subcortical brain regions through activity- and experience-dependent synaptic plasticity processes. The current pandemic, due to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, is causing relevant social and psychological detrimental effects. The institutional recommendations on physical distancing, namely social distancing and wearing of facemasks are effective in reducing the rate of viral spread. However, by impacting social interaction, facemasks might impair the neural responses to recognition of facial cues that are overall critical to our behaviors. In this survey, we briefly review the current knowledge on the neurobiological substrate of facial recognition and discuss how the lack of salient stimuli might impact the ability to retain and consolidate learning and memory phenomena underlying face recognition. Such an "abnormal" visual experience raises the intriguing possibility of a "reset" mechanism, a renewed ability of adult brain to undergo synaptic plasticity adaptations.

Ferrari, C., Vecchi, T., Sciamanna, G., Blandini, F., Pisani, A., Natoli, S. (2021). Facemasks and face recognition: Potential impact on synaptic plasticity. NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE, 153, 105319 [10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105319].

Facemasks and face recognition: Potential impact on synaptic plasticity

Sciamanna, Giuseppe;Natoli, Silvia
2021-02-26

Abstract

Visual recognition of facial expression modulates our social interactions. Compelling experimental evidence indicates that face conveys plenty of information that are fundamental for humans to interact. These are encoded at neural level in specific cortical and subcortical brain regions through activity- and experience-dependent synaptic plasticity processes. The current pandemic, due to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, is causing relevant social and psychological detrimental effects. The institutional recommendations on physical distancing, namely social distancing and wearing of facemasks are effective in reducing the rate of viral spread. However, by impacting social interaction, facemasks might impair the neural responses to recognition of facial cues that are overall critical to our behaviors. In this survey, we briefly review the current knowledge on the neurobiological substrate of facial recognition and discuss how the lack of salient stimuli might impact the ability to retain and consolidate learning and memory phenomena underlying face recognition. Such an "abnormal" visual experience raises the intriguing possibility of a "reset" mechanism, a renewed ability of adult brain to undergo synaptic plasticity adaptations.
26-feb-2021
Online ahead of print
Rilevanza internazionale
Articolo
Esperti anonimi
Settore MED/26 - NEUROLOGIA
Settore MED/41 - ANESTESIOLOGIA
Settore M-PSI/05 - PSICOLOGIA SOCIALE
English
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease
Emotional facial expressions
Face perception
Face recognition
LTD
LTP
Long-term synaptic plasticity
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Ferrari, C., Vecchi, T., Sciamanna, G., Blandini, F., Pisani, A., Natoli, S. (2021). Facemasks and face recognition: Potential impact on synaptic plasticity. NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE, 153, 105319 [10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105319].
Ferrari, C; Vecchi, T; Sciamanna, G; Blandini, F; Pisani, A; Natoli, S
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2108/269061
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