Latest news with #opticalillusion
The Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Everyone can see the 6's but only the most intelligent can spot the 0 in this mind boggling illusion in under 8 seconds
THINK you're clever? Try this optical illusion. In the photo below, viewers are asked to spot the zero in amongst endless rows of the number six. 2 The classic number illusion puzzle has rows and rows of nearly identical digits designed to mess with your eyes - and patience. But it's not as easy as it appears - inside the sea of sizes is a sneaky zero. The colour of the background doesn't help either - the dark blue makes it trickier to see. Meanwhile, we tend to view images from the centre outwards, meaning our periphery can be neglected, particularly when focusing on intricate details. Can you spot it? If that's a yes, how long did it take you? Optical illusions like this one are not just quirky brain teasers, they are a legitimate workout for your brain. Think of them as being Sudoku's cooler, visual cousin... They boost focus and attention to detail; finding the odd one out forces your brain to slow down. They also improve visual memory as your brain starts to learn how to memorise patterns and shapes. If you still haven't spotted the zero... keep scanning through the patterns line by line and zoom in on the subtle variations. Everyone can see the pearls, but you need the eyes of a hawk to spot the diamond in less than 10 seconds Since six and zero are circular cousins, the difference is really subtle. Still not found it? Count eight lines from the bottom upwards, and then 10 inwards from the right. There it is! 2 If you enjoy that optical illusion, why not see if you can spot the number 879 in under eight seconds in this one? There's also a sea of B's in this optical illusion, but where is the number eight hiding?
CBS News
7 days ago
- Science
- CBS News
How optical illusions are illuminating vital medical research
New York — At the Museum of illusions in New York City, around every corner is a wonder for the eyes. There's a vase that's a face, art that moves with you, and a room that seems to go on forever. It's a funhouse for our perceptions, built for the TikTok age. But the visual tricks are windows into how the mind works, and they fascinate scientists. "The brain uses all the information it can get to figure out what's in front of it," Dr. Martin Doherty, a psychology professor at the University of East Anglia in England, told CBS News. Doherty has studied one particular puzzle for years called the Ebbinghaus illusion, an optical illusion which shows how size perception can be manipulated using surrounding shapes. "The illusion works by using context to mess around with your perception," Doherty explains. Doherty long thought that everyone saw the Ebbinghaus illusion the same way. But in a study published in March in the journal Scientific Reports , he and his colleagues found that radiologists who have years of training to ignore visual distractions actually see the image differently and accurately. In the study, researchers tested 44 experts in "medical image interpretation" — radiographers and radiologists — against a control group of nonexperts consisting of psychology and medical students. They found that the experts were "significantly less susceptible to all illusions except for the Shepard Tabletops, demonstrating superior perceptual accuracy." "According to the theory, that shouldn't happen," Doherty said. "It shouldn't be possible. No previous research has shown that you can learn to see through them." One other group has also been shown to solve the illusion, young children. But that ability goes away after age 7, Doherty said. "We think that's because it takes time to learn to integrate context into your perception," Doherty said. It's evidence of the deep abilities of a trained brain. But for most of us, illusions are proof of our limitations. "When you see these visuals, it's just like your brain just starts going crazy," museumgoer Kevin Paguay said. It's also a reminder that you cannot always believe what you see.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Everyone can see the horses but only those with a high IQ can spot the odd one out in under 5 seconds
THIS simple optical illusion doesn't seem to be too taxing at first - but the key is to master it in seconds. If you can identify the rogue horse somewhere within this brain boggler in under five seconds - you have a higher IQ than those who can't. 3 Hidden in the image, there's one hoofed animal that doesn't belong. The faster you get there, the healthier your cognitive function and visual perception. You'll need to focus, think quickly and have the ability to spot the random horse under pressure. Only one of the horses is different from the others. Can you see (quicky) which one? read more IN PLAIN SIGHT How many circles can you see in 10 seconds in this optical illusion? EYE SPY We all see the cars -but it takes a genius to spot the convertible in 15 seconds Answer: The horse on the bottom row, fourth from left is the odd one out. If you managed to spot the horse within under five seconds, then congratulations, you could be a genius. However, don't fret if you took longer to find the one-toed wonder. If you didn't figure it out easily, try doing some more brainteasers. These optical illusions get easier with practice and patience - and the easier it will get. The more you train your brain with illusions like these, the better your observation skills will become. Brainteasers are excellent for your brain because they stimulate cognitive function, improve problem-solving skills and enhance overall mental agility. Everyone can see the cars in this optical illusion - but it takes a genius to spot the convertible in under 15 seconds They also challenge different areas of the brain, including memory, logic and spatial reasoning. So how does that benefit us? It improves neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and form new neural connections. As well as this, activities like brainteasers, puzzles and riddles require you to think critically, which also sharpens your analytical and reasoning skills. This optical illusion isn't just fun, it enhances your attention to detail, focus, and visual memory. It boosts your mental fitness and sharpens your cognitive function. Not only all that, but enjoyable puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief. If you want to continue to challenge your brain further, you can find a range of optical illusions on our website. Get going now for a sharper, shinier mind. What are you waiting for? 3 3 How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me? Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions Some benefits include: Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Everyone can see the fisherman but you have 20/20 vision if you spot the 3 differences in this brainteaser in 23 seconds
FEW hobbies are as relaxing as fishing but this seaside-themed brainteaser may leave you scratching your head. Test your vision and try to spot the three differences in this image. 6 Give your brain a workout and see if you can find the three odd things out between these seemingly identical pictures. The brainteaser, from Times of India, shows a triumphant fisherman standing in the shallow waters. Dressed in what appears to be a wet-suit, the man is holding a trident in one hand and a rod with a fish hanging from it in the other. In the background, a large mountain can be seen on the horizon as the sun beams in the sky. On the other side of the mountain, a singular cloud can be seen in the sky. The time to beat on this image is 23 seconds to prove your brain power. So set your timers and start examining these images as quickly as possible. Peel your eyes because the three differences are quite subtle, barely visible at a quick glance. Scan the images and take in every detail you notice because the answers are hiding in plain sight. If you're struggling, we recommend paying particular attention to the mountain in the background. Only 15% can spot the correct hidden image in this blurred optical illusion - but can you do it in less than 30 seconds? You should also look closer at the water splashing around the fisherman's legs. Finally, the fish hanging from the hook may also be of interest to you. Another tricky brainteaser features a gnarled tree but only those with high IQ can spot a sleepy cat hiding on it. If that's still not hard enough for you, then have a go at spotting the hidden broom amongst the clothes in less than five seconds. Or you can have a go at figuring out the hidden message in this band's cover art that has confused fans for years. How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me? Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions. Some benefits include: Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief. Lastly, puzzle fanatics have been left scratching their heads trying to find the lost feather in just 12 seconds. Coming back to our challenge - were you find all three differences between the pictures? If you are still scratching your head trying to figure out the answers, we've marked the solutions for you. And if you want to challenge yourself further, we've got you covered. There's some more optical illusions and brainteasers below. 6 6 6 6 6
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Everyone can see the number 876 but only those with a high IQ can spot 879 in under 8 seconds
KEEP reading to see a challenging brain teaser that could test your IQ. In the photo below, viewers are asked to spot the number 879 amid a group of pandas displaying 876. 2 If you're able to find the anomaly within eight seconds, it might be a sign of a high IQ. The adorable pandas are arranged neatly in rows and columns, making it more challenging to spot the odd one out. Among the 54 pandas there is just one holding up the number 879. The image is just one of many optical illusions which can be used to train your brain. While our brains instinctively assume the image to be the same throughout, it's important to train your brain to recognise the anomaly. The 879 is able to blend in due to the identical font, layout and panda graphics. But vigilant viewers will be able to quickly spot the 879. So set yourself a timer and see how long it takes you to spot the odd one out - if you get it in less than eight seconds, you might have a high IQ. This particularly optical illusion tricks the brain in a number of ways. The bright yellow background acts as a visual distraction making it more difficult to focus on specific detail within the image. Everyone can see the pearls, but you need the eyes of a hawk to spot the diamond in less than 10 seconds Meanwhile, we tend to view images from the centre outwards, meaning our periphery can be neglected, particularly when focusing on intricate details. In order to solve the visual puzzle, it's important to slow down and be methodical. This might mean going through the image row by row, or making sure you change your perspective to look at the wider image rather than just the centre. 2 For those of you who didn't find it in the original image, I can reveal that the number 879 can be found three from the left on the top row. Optical illusions can be a great way to train your brain to be more observant. Those that do well in these kinds of puzzles might have a background in data entry or analysis, as they are trained to look for numbers. How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me? Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions. Some benefits include: Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief. If you want to continue to challenge your brain further, you can find a range of optical illusions on our website. Different images can test different parts of your brain. This image of pearls might be a good way to test your eyesight, while this maths puzzle helps improve your critical thinking.
