What an interesting read. I almost expected it to conclude with an “I found Bigfoot” revelation, but the depth and clarity made it far more rewarding. Although my background is not in neuroscience, I always enjoy learning something new. As I read, I was reminded of the so called “phantom leaf effect,” where researchers photographed a leaf, cut part of it away, and then captured an image that still showed the outline of the missing section. Later studies challenged and largely debunked the phenomenon, but the idea remains intriguing.
It raises the question of whether, beyond the classic V1 to MT pathway, other regions might contribute in unexpected ways. For example, could the somatosensory cortex, typically associated with touch and bodily awareness, play a role in perceiving subtle shifts in movement or energy? Has there been any evidence suggesting that we can directly sense atoms or energy? If we and everything around us are composed of molecules and atoms, then it seems at least possible that the brain might be able to register these fundamental movements at some level, even if only indirectly.
What a lovely comment. Depth and clarity is what I was going for 😃 I write for anyone who's curious, regardless of background, so I'm happy you enjoyed it.
To your question. There is a lot of sensory information coming your way all the time, and you are only aware of some of it. Different senses send information to the thalamus, which acts like a filter and prioritises what gets through. This is before the information reaches the cortex, where awareness begins. Also, not all learning is conscious.
About atoms and energy: Atoms individually, no. Energy we detect, for example, light is electromagnetic energy. But you can certainly pick up cues that make you change your behaviour without being directly aware. Part 2 (spoiler alert) talks about people who respond to obstacles they cannot see. I hope you stick around for that one 😊
Fascinating, thanks 🙏
Thank you, Mark. I’m glad you enjoyed it. There is more coming soon ☺️
What an interesting read. I almost expected it to conclude with an “I found Bigfoot” revelation, but the depth and clarity made it far more rewarding. Although my background is not in neuroscience, I always enjoy learning something new. As I read, I was reminded of the so called “phantom leaf effect,” where researchers photographed a leaf, cut part of it away, and then captured an image that still showed the outline of the missing section. Later studies challenged and largely debunked the phenomenon, but the idea remains intriguing.
It raises the question of whether, beyond the classic V1 to MT pathway, other regions might contribute in unexpected ways. For example, could the somatosensory cortex, typically associated with touch and bodily awareness, play a role in perceiving subtle shifts in movement or energy? Has there been any evidence suggesting that we can directly sense atoms or energy? If we and everything around us are composed of molecules and atoms, then it seems at least possible that the brain might be able to register these fundamental movements at some level, even if only indirectly.
What a lovely comment. Depth and clarity is what I was going for 😃 I write for anyone who's curious, regardless of background, so I'm happy you enjoyed it.
To your question. There is a lot of sensory information coming your way all the time, and you are only aware of some of it. Different senses send information to the thalamus, which acts like a filter and prioritises what gets through. This is before the information reaches the cortex, where awareness begins. Also, not all learning is conscious.
About atoms and energy: Atoms individually, no. Energy we detect, for example, light is electromagnetic energy. But you can certainly pick up cues that make you change your behaviour without being directly aware. Part 2 (spoiler alert) talks about people who respond to obstacles they cannot see. I hope you stick around for that one 😊
Thank you so much for taking the time to explain that so clearly.
I really appreciate how you make these complex ideas feel accessible, even for someone outside the field.
I’ll definitely be sticking around for Part 2. I’m looking forward to seeing how you expand on this!
Thank you so much for taking the time to explain that so clearly.
I really appreciate how you make these complex ideas feel accessible, even for someone outside the field.
I’ll definitely be sticking around for Part 2. I’m looking forward to seeing how you expand on this!
Thank you so much for taking the time to explain that so clearly.
I really appreciate how you make these complex ideas feel accessible, even for someone outside the field.
I’ll definitely be sticking around for Part 2. I’m looking forward to seeing how you expand on this!