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The experts that can outsmart optical illusions

Researchers found that medical imaging experts can solve common optical illusions, including judging the size of objects. Training to improve visual perception can also make experts less susceptible to these illusions. This study has implications for training medical image analysts.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 1, 2025

Aston University study reveals the illusion of ‘dazzle’ paint on World War I battleships

A new analysis of 105-year-old data found that while dazzle camouflage had some effect, the 'horizon effect' had a much greater influence on confusing enemy ships. The study, led by Aston University researchers, showed that when people looked at a ship in the distance, they significantly underestimated its direction of travel.

SourceAston University·Journali-Perception·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2025

The ultimate death stare: How moth wing patterns scare off predatory birds with amazing optical illusion

Researchers found that moth wings with forward-facing eyespots are more effective at deterring predators than those with concentric circle patterns. The study suggests that the direction of gaze affects the predator's motivation to attack, supporting the idea that eyespots are used to maintain eye contact with predators.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022

Development of an artificial vision device capable of mimicking human optical illusions

The National Institute for Materials Science in Japan has developed an ionic artificial vision device capable of increasing edge contrast between dark and light areas like human vision. This device uses ionic migration and interaction within solids to mimic human optical illusions without software.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNano Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 29, 2021

Does our mind’s eye match real life? New study shows differences in how we perceive images

A new study by the University of Plymouth and Essex found that many adults struggle to imagine their own visual perception as a flat image, resisting the idea of 'corrected' vision. When shown two lines with different lengths, participants often judged them as equal in length, despite being able to see one as longer when viewed on camera.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2021

Optical illusions explained in a fly's eyes

Scientists at Yale University found that flies perceive motion in static images similarly to humans, using a shared strategy for motion detection. By analyzing specific neuron types and behavior, the researchers developed a theory explaining how optical illusions work, which may also apply to human visual systems.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

The brain's dress code

A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study found that The Dress activates frontal and parietal brain areas, depending on perception. Researchers identified differential brain activity in participants perceiving the dress as white-gold versus black-blue.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCortex·DateOct 14, 2015

Optical illusions show vision in a new light

Researchers used two well-known optical illusions to study how the brain assesses relative size, revealing that environmental clues affect perception after three-dimensional image processing. The Ponzo illusion was found to hold true regardless of eye use or presentation order.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateMar 10, 2011

Seeing the world differently

Researchers found that individual volunteers' perceptions of optical illusions varied greatly due to differences in brain size. The primary visual cortex area affects the extent to which we see visual illusions.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 5, 2010