Light Detection in Blind Patients
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20131029/Study-Light-enhances-brain-activity-during-cognitive-task-even-in-blind-people.aspx?page=2
This study was done through the University of Montreal. Three blind patients were asked to say whether a blue light was on, and each answered correctly more often than chance would allow (I was skeptical of this assessment in the reading however). The researchers believe a unique photoreceptor, different from rods and cones, in the retina of the eye allows for this detection.
The patients were then asked to perform a task that required using their working memory. Auditory information was given to them. At the same time, these patients were being exposed to blue light. This blue light exposure activated certain areas of the brain necessary to perform the task. The researchers believe that this is further evidence that light (even when we do not consciously perceive it) is important to attentiveness.
I found this article interesting because of the distinction between sensation and perception. The patients did not actively perceive the blue light, yet the body sensed it and was able to use this information at a subconscious level. It is amazing to think about all that our mind does without us even knowing about it.
This study was done through the University of Montreal. Three blind patients were asked to say whether a blue light was on, and each answered correctly more often than chance would allow (I was skeptical of this assessment in the reading however). The researchers believe a unique photoreceptor, different from rods and cones, in the retina of the eye allows for this detection.
The patients were then asked to perform a task that required using their working memory. Auditory information was given to them. At the same time, these patients were being exposed to blue light. This blue light exposure activated certain areas of the brain necessary to perform the task. The researchers believe that this is further evidence that light (even when we do not consciously perceive it) is important to attentiveness.
I found this article interesting because of the distinction between sensation and perception. The patients did not actively perceive the blue light, yet the body sensed it and was able to use this information at a subconscious level. It is amazing to think about all that our mind does without us even knowing about it.
posted by Unknown at 3:14 PM
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