That Magic (Sense of) Touch

Women tend to have smaller fingers than men. And people with daintier digits feel things more, one study shows. It might be because smaller fingertips have more closely spaced nerve endings.

The fingers, along with the tongue and lips, are the most sensitive body parts. Despite its large size, the torso is the least sensitive -- the entire thing has about as many touch receptors as a tiny fingertip.

A series of studies have shown this over and over, whether the other person’s skin is softer or not. Researchers think this makes us more likely to build emotional bonds through touch.

It’s slightly better odds than flipping a coin. Volunteers for one study tried to convey eight distinct emotions -- anger, fear, disgust, love, gratitude, sympathy, happiness, and sadness -- to a blindfolded stranger solely through touch. They were successful at least half the time on average.

By the time you hit your 70s, your supply of touch receptors is cut in half -- from 50 per square millimeter of skin at age 10.

They may also grow more slowly and get sick more often. Studies also show skin-to-skin touch helps babies feel more secure. And it’s the basis for strong bonding between parents and child.

When researchers studied NBA teams during the 2008–09 season, they found that those who touched the most also won the most. How do chest bumps and team huddles improve performance? Researchers say touch might instill trust and boost cooperation, making players play better for one another.