Facial expressions arise from brain networks that encode slow, context-rich meaning and fast muscle control on different time scales, keeping smiles and threats socially precise.

Photo-Illustration by Chloe Dowling for TIME (Source Images: Klaus Vedfelt—Getty Images, Tim Robberts—Getty Images, Kelvin Murray—Getty Images, Robert Recker—Getty Images, Howard Kingsnorth—Getty ...

The expressions consisted of a play face, a threat display, and a neutral expression. While the participants were watching the videos, their own facial expressions were filmed using webcams. The ...

Nonverbal communication can be just as important—if not more important—than verbal communication for actors. Whether it’s Claire Danes’ furrowed brow as Carrie Mathison in “Homeland” or Jack Gleeson’s ...

The human face is a trusty map when navigating the landscape of everyday affairs. Mostly, we are very skilled at using it. We can detect someone’s joy. We can sense another’s disenchantment. We can ...