Can you really trust your eyes?

Posted on 19. Feb, 2010 by in Brain Research, puzzles, TED, video

Optical illusions, they’re jokes for the eyes. In this fun and “eye opening” (sorry for the pun) video you’ll see some entertaining and revealing optical illusions created by some great artists from around the world. See if you can resist the urge to let your brain fool itself.

Does your brain make thoughts or do thoughts make your brain?

Posted on 25. Jan, 2010 by in Brain Research, TED, Theory, video

Are thoughts just using our brains or are we creating our own thoughts? Dr. Susan Blackmore–Visiting Professor in the School of Psychology, University of Plymouth–introduces some of the thoughts and theories related to memes and coins a new term “temes” in this controversial and thought provoking 19 minute video from February 2008 TED talks.

For those not familiar with the term, and using Dr. Blackmore’s definition–memes are “self-replicating units of information that spread themselves via human consciousness” through imitation and cultural standards.

Internet Brain Boost

Posted on 15. Dec, 2009 by in Brain Research

A UCLA study has indicated that using internet search engines like Google might help improve brain function in middle-aged and older adults.