The article explains how architecture and sensory cues influence our perception of spaces, making some feel haunted or eerie due to the brain's internal mapping, prediction errors, and primal survival instincts, especially in environments with decay, disorientation, or sensory deprivation.
Dale Purves, a renowned neuroscientist, explores how the brain constructs our perception of reality through associations and experiences, emphasizing that sensory information is inherently inaccurate and that our understanding of the world is shaped by learned patterns rather than direct, objective data. His work spans neural development, perception, and the relationship between brain structure and function, challenging traditional views and highlighting the importance of experience in shaping our mental and perceptual worlds.
A study explores how the brain perceives cooling sensations, particularly when consuming cold foods like mint cookies, by focusing on TRPM8 receptors in the mouth. Removing these receptors in mice blurs the distinction between cool and warm sensations, impacting temperature preferences. The research sheds light on temperature perception's impact on taste and dietary choices, offering insights into sensory processing and potential health implications.