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Grima - The irritating sound (Psychology)

You must have come across the irritating sound resulting from a sharp object scratching another rough surface. Ever wondered what it is called? Finger nails scraping a blackboard It is called 'Grima' Although it is not yet included in standard English, mostly Spanish speakers call it so, when they hear this unpleasant sound, resulting from a chalk or nails scratching against a blackboard, a fork scratching a plate, nails scratching a wall etc. Psychologists say, it should be considered distinct from other emotions. It is seen that some people can bear this sound to some extent whereas some can't bear it even for a second. What Spanish speakers mean by 'Grima' is, an unpleasant sensation, shivering and repulsion. Stimuli that draws it out , includes squeaking noises of doors, scratching with fingernails on surfaces etc. It   is rated as less pleasant than disgust. It is also seen that people get a sensation of itchy skin and goosebumps in such cases. Research: Over ...
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PHOSPHENES IN EYES (Biology)


Have you ever wondered, what are those worm-like shapes, magically floating in front of your eyes, after you wake up in the morning and rub your eyes?




This article is about the sensation of worm or ring-like shapes we get on our eye balls.



PHOSPHENES IN EYES
Phosphenes


Phosphenes in Eyes



'Phosphenes in eyes' is the phenomenon of seeing light without light actually entering the eye. The word phosphene comes from the Greek words 'phos' which means 'light', and 'phainein' which means 'to show'. Phosphenes that are induced by the movement or sound may be associated with Optic neuritis in Medical science. 



Primary Causes:

The most common Phosphenes are 'pressure phosphenes', caused by rubbing or applying pressure on or near the closed eyes. They have been known since the Classical era and described by the Greeks.


Rubbing or applying pressure on closed eyes causing phosphenes in eyes
Rubbing closed eyes, causing Phosphenes in Eyes


Other commonly found Phosphene are 'seeing stars' from a sneeze. laughter, a heavy and deep cough, blowing of the nose, a blow on the head or low blood pressure. Phosphenes in eyes may also be caused by diseases of the retina and nerves.


Mechanism:


Majority of the researchers believe that phosphenes are caused by the usual activity of the visual system from one of its parts from stimulus other than light. It is shown that pressure on the eye, results in activation of Retinal Ganglion Cells in a similar way to activation by light.


Research: 


In the year 1988, Sir David Lewis Williams and T.A Dowson published an article about Phosphenes and other similar phenomena. They said, Non- figurative art of the Upper Paleolithic, describes visions of Phosphenes and neurological Form- constants, probably enhanced by hallucinogenic drugs.




Coiner: 

The name 'Phosphene' was given by Sir J.B.H , a.k.a the Ship's surgeon of the Wrecked French Frigate.




So, the next time you see something like this, magically floating in front of your eye balls, you know what to call it!



Thank you so much for going through this article.












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