To promote the applicability of basic research in psychology and behavioral sciences, it is important to use creativity in thinking about new research in neuropsychology. The Brazilian academic environment is progressing, but it still has much of its scientific production focused more on basic research than on applied research. Just look at how low the rate of new patents granted by universities in the country is.
This is not just a matter of a lack of public policies aimed at promoting research that will generate knowledge, ideas, and products relevant to industry and the market – the famous blaming the system. Rather, we must be capable, ourselves, of seeing beyond the everyday boundaries of our own research area. Traditionally, Psychology has more prominent application branches in therapy and counseling and in human resources. Little has been dedicated to applying the knowledge of how our mind and brain work in other areas.
What is the use of something useless?
Artistic creativity is famous for endowing people with the ability to envision unimaginable things. However, the notion that the artistic product has no function other than being merely a work of art is still very influential. It is the notion of 'art for art's sake.'
Similarly, when answering questions about the usefulness of neuroscience research, researchers say that it is merely basic research, which may one day in the distant future bring some practical relevance. It is the classic answer of 'science for science's sake.' Look, I am not advocating for the end of basic research, which is of extreme theoretical importance. But I am merely showing that both can occur simultaneously if we start to creatively imagine possible applications for what we are already researching.
[caption: From the meeting between neuroscience and the arts, unexpected applications arise. Source: [ Wikipedia]
So, could 'art for art's sake' and 'neuroscience for science's sake' be used together to create practical applications? The answer is yes, and the new field of Neuroaesthetics, still little known in Brazil, is one of the options at hand.
Neuroaesthetics and beauty in the brain Neuroaesthetics basically aims to understand how our brain perceives/produces beauty in the world. Recent research in the area has taught us that for the brain, beauty is beauty no matter where it is found.
A recent review article published in the scientific journal NeuroImage on the neuroscience of beauty analyzed all brain areas related to aesthetic judgment arising from different sensory modalities [pdf]. They studied 93 neuroimaging studies on positive aesthetic responses from vision, hearing, taste, and smell. For author Steven Brown, a professor at McMaster University in Canada, and his collaborators, "neuroimaging studies have convincingly shown that there is no evidence that works of art activate distinct areas from those already involved in the appreciation of everyday objects, important for survival and reproduction, such as the succulence of food and the attractiveness of romantic partners," says Brown.
Beautiful implications
[caption Mini pocket watch, more than useful, is a work of art. Source: [ Wikipedia]
Now think about the implications; we do not consume things just because they work, but also because they look, sound, taste, and smell good, pleasant, and captivating. Thus, knowledge of this kind can be very important for the industry in developing new, more attractive products, from jingles to packaging, fragrances, moisturizing creams, and food.
Of course, this knowledge also brings great responsibilities. It should not be used to manipulate people into buying for the sake of buying, as consumerism is already destroying the ecosystems of our planet. Therefore, an intelligent use of knowledge in neuroaesthetics, which is just one of the thousands of areas related to well-being, such as in the development of beautiful recyclable packaging that requires less energy to produce, can help people recognize and appreciate sustainable product options. Imagine the possibilities.
By Marco Varella, biologist, master's and doctoral degree holder in experimental psychology, and science communicator.
