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Erotic images, gore cause temporary 'blindness'

Research by Vanderbilt University psychologist David Zald found that emotional images can lead to a phenomenon known as 'emotion-induced blindness,' where individuals fail to detect subsequent visual images. This effect is linked to personality traits, with those scoring high on harm avoidance being more affected.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateAug 11, 2005

Exploring the 'corner-of-your-eye' phenomenon

The study found that when subjects focus on one feature, they also attend to similar features elsewhere in the visual field. The researchers developed an experimental technique to measure this phenomenon and its implications for understanding how our brain processes visual information.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 1, 2005

Faces must be seen to be recognized

Researchers found that recognizing faces requires visual perception, while lower-level aspects like orientation can be processed without awareness. The study used binocular rivalry experiments and inattentional blindness to demonstrate the importance of visual processing in face recognition.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJan 5, 2005

Visual attention attuned to grabbable objects

Researchers at Dartmouth College found that visual attention is specifically drawn to graspable objects, such as tools, and that this effect is more pronounced when these objects are on the right side. This discovery suggests a clear association between visual perception and motor systems in the brain.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 16, 2003

Attention acts as visual glue

A recent brain mapping experiment provides significant new support for the theory that attention is the glue that cements visual information together, helping to solve the 'binding problem' in neuroscience. The study found increased activity in the parietal region when individuals were presented with multiple objects at once.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2002