Touch

The Science of the Hand, Heart, and Mind

By David J. Linden | Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group

About the book

The New York Times–bestselling author of The Compass of Pleasure examines how our sense of touch is interconnected with our emotions
 
Dual-function receptors in our skin make mint feel cool and chili peppers hot. Without the brain’s dedicated centers for emotional touch, an orgasm would feel more like a sneeze—convulsive, but not especially nice. From skin to nerves to brain, the organization of our body’s touch circuits is a complex and often counterintuitive system that affects everything from our social interactions to our general health and development.
 
In Touch, neuroscientist and bestselling author David J. Linden explores this critical interface between our bodies and the outside world, between ourselves and others. Along the way, he answers such questions as: Why do women have more refined detection with their fingertips than men? Is there a biological basis for the use of acupuncture to relieve pain? How do drugs like Ecstasy heighten and motivate sensual touch? Why can’t we tickle ourselves? Linking biology and behavioral science, Touch offers an entertaining and enlightening answer to how we feel in every sense of the word.

Editions of Touch

Hardcover
ISBN 9780670014873
Paperback
ISBN 9780143128441
EBook
ISBN 9781101617724

Read an Excerpt

The New York Times–bestselling author of The Compass of Pleasure examines how our sense of touch is interconnected with our emotions
 
Dual-function receptors in our skin make mint feel cool and chili peppers hot. Without the brain’s dedicated centers for emotional touch, an orgasm would feel more like a sneeze—convulsive, but not especially nice. From skin to nerves to brain, the organization of our body’s touch circuits is a complex and often counterintuitive system that affects everything from our social interactions to our general health and development.
 
In Touch, neuroscientist and bestselling author David J. Linden explores this critical interface between our bodies and the outside world, between ourselves and others. Along the way, he answers such questions as: Why do women have more refined detection with their fingertips than men? Is there a biological basis for the use of acupuncture to relieve pain? How do drugs like Ecstasy heighten and motivate sensual touch? Why can’t we tickle ourselves? Linking biology and behavioral science, Touch offers an entertaining and enlightening answer to how we feel in every sense of the word.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Touch about?

The New York Times–bestselling author of The Compass of Pleasure examines how our sense of touch is interconnected with our emotions
 
Dual-function receptors in our skin make mint feel cool and chili peppers hot. Without the brain’s dedicated centers for emotional touch, an orgasm would feel more like a sneeze—convulsive, but not especially nice. From skin to nerves to brain, the organization of our body’s touch circuits is a complex and often counterintuitive system that affects everything from our social interactions to our general health and development.
 
In Touch, neuroscientist and bestselling author David J. Linden explores this critical interface between our bodies and the outside world, between ourselves and others. Along the way, he answers such questions as: Why do women have more refined detection with their fingertips than men? Is there a biological basis for the use of acupuncture to relieve pain? How do drugs like Ecstasy heighten and motivate sensual touch? Why can’t we tickle ourselves? Linking biology and behavioral science, Touch offers an entertaining and enlightening answer to how we feel in every sense of the word.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Touch?

Mathematics and Science > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Neurosciences

Where can I read a sample of Touch?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780670014873

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Touch?

David J. Linden

Who is the Publisher of the book Touch?

Penguin Publishing Group

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Touch is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780670014873) and paperback(ISBN 9780143128441) and ebook(ISBN 9781101617724)

Where can I buy Touch online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy Touch?