Stimulating neurons to induce particular perceptions in mice’s minds
Using optogenetics, researchers stimulated neurons in the visual cortex of mice to induce illusory images in the animals' minds.... Read More...
visual perception
Hit it where it hurts: Scientists reveal how mirrors cure phantom pain
Visual responsiveness in the somatosensory cortex diminishes significantly following mirror therapy for phantom limb pain. Before therapy, researchers discovered a strong, unexpected activation in the sensorimotor foot region of amputees to visually presented images of the foot. This response was no longer present following mirror therapy.... Read More...
Rosy health and sickly green: color associations play robust role in reading faces
Facial processing and color processing may engage in similar brain mechanisms.... Read More...
Brains of children with epilepsy able to re-map after surgery to retain visual perception
Following surgery, the brains of children with epilepsy are able to remap and compensate for damaged areas of the visual cortex. The findings shed light on brain plasticity.... Read More...
Waterfall illusion: when you see still objects move – and what it tells you about your brain
Researchers reveal what optical illusions tell us about the workings of the brain.... Read More...
A small electrical zap to the brain could help you retrieve a forgotten memory
Using non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation to target the left rostrolateral prefrontal cortex improves memory retrieval.... Read More...
Brain stimulation enhances visual learning speed and efficiency
Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) helps boost visual learning in patients with chronic cortical blindness, leading to a recovery in motion processing within 10 days of exposure. The effects of the tRNS treatment appear to last for at least six months.... Read More...
Developing a headset to transfer visual perceptions from the sighted to the blind
Researchers are developing a new brain-to-brain communication headset that will allow the transfer of visual information from those with sight to the blind. The non-invasive system will 'write' information to neurons reprogrammed to fire in response to magnetic signals. ... Read More...
Optical illusions reveal regular waves of brain activity enable visual feature integration
Optical illusions are helping researchers better understand attention and visual perception. Findings suggest attention operates periodically on the perceptual binding of visual information.... Read More...
New AI Sees Like a Human, Filling in the Blanks
A new deep learning system takes glimpses of its surroundings, representing less than 20% of a 360-degree view and infers the rest of the environment. ... Read More...
How Attention Helps the Brain Perceive an Object
Low-frequency optogenetic stimulation of the visual region of the brain impairs an animal's ability to make fine sensory discriminations. ... Read More...
Making Sense of How the Blind ‘See’ Color
Researchers suggest blind and sighted people experience visual phenomena differently, but share a common understanding of them.... Read More...