People Who Can't Feel Scared

A rare genetic condition called Urbach-Wiethe disease affects only about 400 people worldwide. This condition can damage the amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for processing fear.

One patient, known as SM, has been studied extensively. Scientists tried various methods to frighten her, including showing her horror movies and exposing her to snakes and spiders. Surprisingly, SM showed no fear and even approached these potentially dangerous situations with curiosity.

The amygdala plays a crucial role in recognizing external threats and triggering the body's fear response. However, research has shown that not all types of fear are processed by the amygdala. For instance, SM experienced panic when exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide, suggesting that internal threats are processed differently in the brain.

This condition highlights the evolutionary importance of fear as a survival mechanism. While living without fear might seem appealing, it can lead to dangerous situations in everyday life.