A01 A02 A03 A04 A05 A06 A07 A09 A10 A11 A12 A13 A14 A18 A19 A21 F01 F02 INF Ö

WissensNacht Ruhr 2018

At the third WissensNacht Ruhr on September 28, 2018, scientists will offer interesting lectures and discussions, hands-on activities, presentations, excursions, guided tours, and many other program items. A total of 16,000 visitors enjoy the varied programme.

The SFB 1280 is represented at WissensNacht Ruhr

With a “crazy brainlab”, the SFB 1280 also takes part in this year’s WissensNacht Ruhr at Blue Square. During the WissensNacht, the Metropole Ruhr becomes a fascinating and extraordinary centre of science. On this evening, numerous scientists from various institutes will present their research to touch and participate in. The target groups especially are families with children and young people.

The SFB 1280 program at WissensNacht Ruhr

Determination of the pain threshold within the framework of taster experiments (heat, cold, electrical stimuli)

In order to determine the individual pain threshold for heat, the test persons are given several slowly increasing temperatures on the forearm. At the touch of a button, they are asked to indicate the moment at which they feel the stimulation painful for the first time. When the button is pressed, the temperature drops again immediately. To determine the individual pain threshold for electric stimulation, stimuli with increasing intensity are administered to the test persons on the back of the hand. They should indicate again when they feel the stimulation to be painful for the first time.

During the experiment, the test persons also receive a few moderate heat pain stimuli on the forearm of approx. 10 seconds duration. The stimulation can be reduced or stopped at any time at the request of the test persons. No undesired effects are known for the use of the stimulation probe (thermode), the electrostimulator and the cold well. The pain stimuli are also approved for clinical use on patients.

New Year, New Me: The Facts

As the calendar turns to a new year, millions of people around the world commit to New Year’s resolutions, making promises to use the new year as a fresh beginning and an opportunity for transformation. In 2024, almost three-quarters of the British population set themselves New Year’s resolutions — that’s around 40 million people (or the entire population of Canada). This tradition was particularly strong among younger generations, with 96% of Generation Z (aged 18-27) planning resolutions, compared to just 35% of the Silent Generation (aged 79+).

Most common new years resolutions:

  1. Saving more money (52%)
  2. Eat healthier (50%)
  3. Exercise more (48%)
  4. Lose weight (37%)
  5. Spend more time with family/friends (35%)

How long do most resolutions normally last before being broken?

  • Data from America (2016) shows that 75% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first week. 
  • 64% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first month. 
  • 46% of individuals in America keep their resolutions past the 6-month mark.

What makes resolutions stick?

Oscarsson et al. (2020) conducted research into what makes New Year’s resolutions stick. Biggest success rates depended on how people phrased their goals. Participants who set approach-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) than those with avoidance-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) were significantly more successful (58.9% vs. 47.1%) at sticking to their goals.

The study also investigates the effects of outside support. These participants received monthly follow-ups and emails with information and exercises for coping with hurdles when striving toward personal goals, and were also encouraged to set goals using the SMART technique and to set interim goals. The group that received some support was exclusively and significantly more successful compared to the groups who received a lot of support or no support at all. 

Additionally, you might feel more successful if you set goals that are measurable in numbers. While success for a person striving to quit smoking or lose weight could easily be measured in the number of cigarettes smoked or body mass index, the success for a person striving to “take better care of themselves” could be highly subjective and possibly impossible to measure.

So as we enter 2026, let’s remember to work with our brain’s natural learning system: Frame your goals positively, break them into manageable steps, and celebrate small wins along the way.