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A Broken Heart Really Does Hurt, Scientists Claim

Posted by samzenpus on from the bruised-on-the-inside dept.

Death Metal writes "Psychologists at the University of California, Los Angeles say the human body has a gene that connects physical pain sensitivity with social pain sensitivity. The findings back the common theory that rejection 'hurts' by showing that a gene regulating the body's most potent painkillers — mu-opioids — is involved in socially painful experiences too."

4 of 220 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Painkillers? by wgoodman · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Some of us actually don't really go for the meaningless sex all that much.. i've given it a go, but i'd much rather actually feel something for the person i'm giving it to..

  2. Sounds like they isolated the "whiner" gene. by znerk · · Score: 4, Interesting

    The article seems to state that those who reported higher levels of physical pain also reported more easily feeling rejected in a social situation. Therefore, it stands to reason (at least to me) that they have isolated the gene which causes people to complain, rather than any link between physical pain and emotional distress.

    Yeah, I know, what kind of slashdotter am I, if I actually RTFA?

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  3. Thanks Slashdot. by Goalie_Ca · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I just got home. It's 3:30 am. I missed my bus. I cockblocked her "ex" or whatever he is all the way to the bedroom door. Had a brief chat (clenched fist ready to pound the shit out of him) but really it was both of them and not him alone. I need to be able to trust her too! I walked the fuck out at first swearing like a mother fucker in my best québécois i know all the way down broadway street vancouver. I finally calmed down enough to feel the pain. It really hurt. I turn on my computer to try and calm down (can't sleep in this state) and wtf do I see? A study that says i feel pain right now. Well duh! I physically feel pain and my gut is wrapped up like a turban.

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    Go canucks, habs, and sens!
  4. Re:isn't this obvious? by Cylix · · Score: 5, Interesting

    That's nothing...

    I've had my intestines removed and used as a personal restraining device. All of my toes and fingers removed and subsequently re-attached to one hand. Said hand was than forcefully punched into my own face with some guy shouting, "Stop hitting yourself" over and over. After that was over I had my abdomen sliced open by a light saber and some Jedi Knight used my womb to shelter from the cold for hours.

    A broken heart? I really do miss that Jedi

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    "You should always go to other people's funerals; otherwise, they won't come to yours." -- Yogi Berra