Odd Visions and Sensations
Which face is happier?



The only difference: the mouths, which are asymmetrical. The top face is regarded as happier by the vast majority of right-handers (and most left-handers). Human faces are identified by the brain's right hemisphere, so the mouth's left corner is focused upon. This is a typical example of hemispheric lateralization.

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Image A


Image B

Above are two images of Margaret Thatcher, each turned upside-down. But one of them is a horrific monster! Which is it -- A or B? It's hard to tell, because your brain is globally scanning them. To see each picture as "rightside-up," click each one to view it in a new tab.

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The person below is apparently two-faced, because your brain cannot settle on a stable interpretation...



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Get a grip on yourself. If your hands are configured as below, and then tapped in rapid succession, you'll have difficulty in determining which is tapped first. Perform this experiment while sober.



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An astounding optical illusion. Squares A and B are equal in shade. If the accompanying image fails to prove it, then print out a hard copy of the original. Cut into squares and compare.


Artist: Edward H. Adelson

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Escalator Illusion. Next time at the mall, if you happen to spot a broken escalator, try walking up on it. Be warned, though, that you risk falling. Past escalator experience has dictated a set of unconscious expectations. Trekking up a stalled escalator, you may feel as if you're being "sucked" onto it. It's a moving experience!


Some material above excerpted from Mind Hacks, by Tom Stafford and Matt Webb.

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