Revulsion is a cornerstone of “horror” and this Time article takes a fascinating look at some scientists who are getting to the bottom of how this evolutionary response works, and why. I really dig stuff like this, which explains how “horror” is hardwired into us.

Furthermore, why are certain people so repulsed by certain things that others aren’t as bothered by? For example, I went fishing this past weekend and used leeches for bait, which totally grossed out some of the guys I was with. The slimy little bloodsuckers don’t really bother me, though. I got over them long ago when their effectiveness at catching fish outweighed their yuck-factor. Same with maggots and mealworms. Spiders don’t bother me too much, either, but my mom is terrified of them.

I do, however, hate cockroaches. And I really hate rats (although mice don’t bother me much). Of course, upbringing, past experiences, familiarity, needs, imagination (reading Lovecraft didn’t help when it comes to rats) and whether or not you watch too much Fear Factor are key causes, but I wonder about the more subconscious, hereditary or evolutionary triggers.

The one thing I do know? That bowl of bug soup is all that and a bucket of sick. Blech…