[Video] What Research in Antarctica Tells Us about the Science of Isolation

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The Science of Isolation   Dear Reader,   Over the past few months, the phrase “social distancing” has entered our lexicon. Many of us have found ourselves separated from family and friends—or at least from our normal social lives. As humans grapple with pandemic-induced isolation, science is starting to offer insight into what may be happening in our brains when our social contact with others is dramatically reduced. That insight happens to come from a place with more penguins than people.Tim Heitland of the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research in Germany spent 14 months in Antarctica between 2016 and 2018. When he returned, daily life felt overwhelming—everything from the colors and vegetation to all the other people. Part of the shock may have come from returning with a different brain than the one he left with. Watch our latest video to learn more about the devastating impact of isolation.   Support Our Mission. Become a Subscriber. Click here to save 25% on a digital subscription.   Wishing you good health, Laura Helmuth Editor-in-Chief

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