Neuroscience
Twenty-Eight Shades of Shoes
New research using Crocs explains “the dress”
Stories by Stephen L. Macknik
Neuroscience
True Colors Shining Through
This illusion turns gray shades into rainbows
Neuroscience
A New Type of Visual Prosthesis
The NIH’s director showcases a project to develop a brain implant that would restore sight
Behavior
When a Still Life Comes Alive
This artist’s paintings walk among us
Neuroscience
The Magic in Your Eyes
What spectators’ gaze reveals about the conjuring arts
Behavior
Remembering the Great Tomsoni
Johnny Thompson’s magical insights informed neuroscience
Behavior
The Neurology of the Soul on Valentine's Day
A new play that touches on the science of love and consciousness launches off-Broadway
Neuroscience
Your Brain Sees Ambiguous Language as a Type of Illusion
‘The Chicken is Ready to Eat’ has two meanings. A new study shows how your neurons decide.
Neuroscience
Take a Video Tour of My Lab to Learn How Eye Movements Frame Perception
We feel we see the world around us with high fidelity, all the time. But it's an illusion made possible by our eye movements
Behavior
M. C. Escher's Exhibition in Brooklyn Opened My Eyes
A magnificent exhibition of original M. C. Escher prints available to the public at Industry City in Brooklyn, N.Y. If you live in NYC, you have no excuse but to go. If you don't, make an excuse and come and see it!...
Neuroscience
An illusion to Celebrate Uncle Sam's Birthday
Uncle Sam’s eyes and finger seem to be pointed directly at you, no matter your viewing angle
Behavior
It's That Dress Again, but Now for Your Ears
In February 2015 a viral internet image of a dress took the world by storm. Now there’s new illusion—for the ears—that speaks to each of us each in different ways: The Yanny–Laurel Illusion...
Behavior
Celebrating Sun–Earth Day: A Total Eclipse of the Mind
The art and perception behind the 2017 total solar eclipse
Behavior
Illusions from the National Archives in New York City
National Archives of New York City archivist Christopher Zarr reveals how deeply the art form of camouflage was pursued 100 years ago during World War I
Behavior
The Senses at the American Museum of Natural History
The exhibit at the AMNH is a new and totally fresh look at our sensory systems, with demonstrations that you won’t see elsewhere...
Behavior
The 2017 Best Illusion of the Year Contest!
The world’s best new illusions are available for your vote! Read about the science behind them here!
Mental Health
A Virtual Trick to Remove Racial Bias
A team of researches changed people’s races in a full-body virtual reality immersion experiment
Cognition
Making Impossible Objects with Mirrors
Most of us don’t really understand how mirrors work, which makes for some fun reflective deception
Behavior
David Byrne's Joan of Arc: Into the Fire
David Byrne’s musical at The Public Theater is an achievement rich in sensory stimulation and delightful deception...
Cognition
Deploying Deception on the Battlefield
To avoid or at least control conflict, militaries often play tricks on their opponents’ perceptions
