Neurobiophilia: The Science Of How Nature Engages The Brain

Neurobiophilia is a term coined by American marine biologist, science educator, and National Geographic explorer Tierney Thys describing it as “a subdiscipline of neuroscience that explores how functions and dynamics of the human brain respond to nature.”

This emerging field is exploring how nature engages the brain with the tools of neuroscience such as EEG brainwave devices.

You can learn more about these technology in my article on hacking your brainwaves and the science of nature connection in my guide to eco-mindfulness training.

Neurobiophilia: This Is Your Brain On Nature:

This is an excellent short talk released by National Geographic that explores the emerging neuroscience research on nature connection and how it improves physical and mental health.

Here are the neurobiophilia studies mentioned:

1. View Through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery

Patients with hospital beds overlooking a natural scene had shorter postoperative hospital stays, received fewer negative evaluative comments in nurses’ notes, and took fewer potent analgesics than those facing a brick wall.

2. Attention restoration theory and exposure to natural environments

The differences between directed attention, voluntary attention and involuntary attention. Nature draws us in with a soft fascination that provokes involuntary attention that can be restorative.