Spinning ballerina in gray levels, a person who was neatly crammed into a life-size doll box, and a black and white prism that is morphing depending on where you are the winners of the best illusion of 2024.
The event was co-founded two decades ago by the neuroscience and scientific writer Susana Martinez-Conde. He still can’t quite believe the current of fresh records every year. “The illusions are essential for the way we perceive the world – the way in which, frankly, they exist as human beings. Illusions are a feature and not a mistake,” she told the NPR podcast.
Read also: Optical illusion: Only those who have sharp vision can last 10 seconds in the last time between the Sea
Optical illusions in history
Fascination is not new. Aristotle described one of the first illusions more than 2,000 years ago. He called this “illusion of waterfalls” or as a result of movement. Watch the flow of the river long enough and suddenly it seems that the rocks are also approaching.
Over time, illusions, such as this, have become a scientific instrument. Martinez-Conde studied “rotating snakes”, a pattern that seems to be moving in itself. The effect, known as a peripheral drift, reveals how the brain interprets movement, although nothing is actually judged.
Read also: Optical illusion today: You have a vision of 20/20 if you can see a bear in this viral image
Why do scientists take care of optical illusions?
For research workers, illusions are more than just tricks. They are a way to look into the perception machine. Martinez-Conde explains that when illusions deceive us, it shows how our neurons shoot and how brain circuits work to build a reality version. “We can analyze neurons and brain circuits that support the nervous activity that corresponds to perception, and they could be part of the nervous foundation of consciousness,” she said.
This is a big draw for scientists. Every illusion is a crack in the system – and the chance to look at how the mind shapes what we see.
What’s next?
The competition is operated by a non -profit neural correlation company. The 2025 vote will be open next year, with records from all over the world. If history is a guide, the submission shows that no matter how much we think we understand the brain, it will always find a way to surprise us.
Frequent
What is the best illusion of the year?
It is an international competition that shows creative visual illusions.
Who founded the competition?
Together, a neuroscience was created by Susana Martinez-Conde.
What were the winning illusions 2024?
The competition was won by a rotating ballerina, a man and a changing black and white prism.
Why do scientists study illusions?
They reveal how the brain builds the perception of the world.
When is the next competition?
The 2025 vote will be held next year.
(Tagstotranslate) optical illusions
