Secret Science: June 4

“Do Not Try This At Home!” ABC’s Secret Science warns in an alarming episode tonight on “Fear.”

As babies, we quickly develop a fear of heights and loud noises – all others are learned as we grow.

To test that theory Myf, who is afraid of snakes, sees how six-month old babies will happily play amongst large pythons and not bat an eyelid.

So, if fears are learned, can they be unlearned?

For arachnophobe, Emily, new research into how women’s menstrual cycle impacts their fear response, leads to a successful exposure therapy session ending in a spider walking over her face.

Our brains crave predictability, so when we’re faced with an unknown, our fear response escalates. Myf and improvisation comedian Carlo Ritchie discover this all too well when they have to put their hands into a box without knowing its contents.

Myf also wants to know how thrill seekers overcome their fear and why are they the kind of people we need in society.

And emerging research has shown that recreational fear – such as watching horror films or going on a ghost tour can improve our response to other anxieties in life.

With the help of neuroscientists, psychologists, and individuals with unique experiences, Myf sheds light on the secret science of fear.

9pm tonight on ABC.