Each of us has at least once experienced the phenomenon of wrinkled hands after a few minutes of contact with water. Especially often we can notice it after a long bath or during holiday fun in the pool or sea. Why is this happening? Scientists explain the reason and indicate that it may make certain activities easier.
You can read more similar articles on the home page
Why do fingers wrinkle after bathing? Scientists have pinpointed the cause
At first, it was believed that the wrinkling of the skin after contact with water was due to osmosis. However, this assumption turned out to be wrong. Researchers conducted a study that compared the effects of water on fingers detached from the hand in an accident and then reattached to it. It turned out then that it is the nervous system that affects the wrinkling of the skin under the influence of soaking it in water for several minutes. This action is caused by vasoconstriction, and thus the outflow of blood. This reduces the volume of the body in the fingertips, which leads to wrinkling of the skin.
Wrinkled hands from water have several advantages. They can help you with some activities
Research conducted on wrinkling hands after prolonged contact with water prompted scientists to check whether this function of the body is useful for something. Dr. Tom Smulders from the Newcastle University Institute of Neuroscience made the thesis that wrinkled fingers make it easier for us to grasp wet objects. So he conducted an experiment, creating two study groups. One of them was supposed to grab wet things with dry hands, and the others after a few minutes of contact with water. It turned out that those who reached for objects with crinkled fingers did so 12% faster than others.
– The creasing increased the friction between the fingers and the object. What’s particularly interesting is that our fingers are sensitive to a change in surface friction, and we use that information to apply less force and grip the thing safely.” Some researchers also believe that water affects our hands in this way because it is supposed to make it easier for us to perform certain activities. They assume that we evolved this amazing ability to increase grip, which was useful for primitive people when climbing trees or rocks.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
