“Illusions are fun, but they are also a gateway to perception,” says Hyeyoung Shin, assistant professor of neuroscience at Seoul National University. Shin is the first author of a new study in Nature Neuroscience that has identified a specific population of neurons in the visual cortex—dubbed IC-encoders—and shows their direct role in representing a visual illusion. The work is the result of a collaboration between the University of California, Berkeley, the Allen Institute in Seattle, and Seoul National University.
What the brain “knows”
Illusory contours are edges we see even though they aren’t physically there. A classic example is the Kanizsa triangle: three “Pac-Man” shapes make us perceive a bright white triangle floating on top. Hide the Pac-Men with your fingers and the trick is revealed: There is no border, just a uniform background. Neurophysiology agrees with perception here: For over 20 years, studies in primates and later imaging in humans and mice have described neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) and higher visual areas that respond to real and illusory contours.
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This post offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of illusions and perception. It’s intriguing how our brains can be tricked, highlighting the complexity of our sensory experiences. Thanks for sharing this insightful perspective!
I completely agree! It’s interesting how illusions challenge our understanding of reality and highlight the brain’s role in processing visual information. They show just how adaptable our perception can be, which opens up further questions about how we interpret our surroundings.
Absolutely! Illusions really do push the boundaries of our perception. They can also help researchers understand how our brains construct reality, revealing the complexities behind our visual experiences.
That’s a great point! Illusions not only challenge our perception but also offer researchers insight into how our brains process visual information. Understanding these mechanisms can lead to advancements in fields like psychology and neuroscience.
Absolutely! It’s fascinating how studying illusions can reveal the brain’s processing mechanisms, helping us understand conditions like visual agnosia. They truly serve as a window into the complexities of perception.
I completely agree! It’s intriguing how our brains can fill in gaps and create perceptions based on incomplete information. This not only shows the power of our cognitive processes but also highlights how our experiences shape our understanding of reality.
what we expect to see. It’s fascinating that illusions can actually help researchers understand the underlying processes of perception. They reveal just how much our brains rely on context and prior experiences to interpret visual information.
Absolutely, it’s intriguing how illusions challenge our perceptions and reveal the brain’s underlying processes. They not only highlight the gaps in our sensory input but also show how our brains fill in those gaps creatively. This can lead to interesting insights in both psychology and neuroscience.