A new study shows elephants have about 1,000 whiskers on their trunks that provide crucial tactile sensing; because these hairs don’t regrow, losing one creates a permanent sensory blind spot, highlighting how their sense of touch helps compensate for poor eyesight.
Sony's new Xperia 1 V smartphone, priced at $1,400, features a "functional tactile design" with a diamond-plate texture on the glass and raised ribbing along the edges. The phone includes a fingerprint reader/power button, camera shutter button, headphone jack, USB-C port, and MicroSD flap. Sony also offers wired headphones that physically plug into the phone. The 4K display could be useful as a Sony camera viewfinder. The phone will be available in the US in July.
A new study has found that beliefs, when strongly held, can alter physical perceptions. Participants were hypnotized and convinced to believe their index finger was either five times smaller or five times larger than its actual size. When participants believed their finger was larger, they could feel two close-together needle pricks as separate points, something they couldn’t do before. Conversely, when they believed their finger was smaller, their ability to distinguish between the two points got worse. The findings show how our minds can impact our physical sensations, suggesting that our beliefs can reshape our perception of reality.
A new study has found that beliefs, when strongly held, can alter physical perceptions. Participants were hypnotized and convinced to believe their index finger was either five times smaller or five times larger than its actual size. When participants believed their finger was larger, they could feel two close-together needle pricks as separate points, something they couldn’t do before. Conversely, when they believed their finger was smaller, their ability to distinguish between the two points got worse. The findings show how our minds can impact our physical sensations, suggesting that our beliefs can reshape our perception of reality.