It used to be so simple. There were five senses and they created a picture of the world inside your head. But new ways of probing the brain are transforming thisview of sensory perception. For starters, we have far more than five senses: the consensus is that there are at least 21 (page 34). And the boundaries between them are being blurred. Maybe you don’t need eyes in order to “see” – other senses may take over in ways that so far defy explanation (page 37). In fact the whole idea that our sensations depend on which sensory organ picks up the information is being challenged. Deep down, it is what we do that counts (page 40).
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
A quantum state that lasts forever may finally be within our grasp
2
The secrets to keeping your brain sharp in old age
3
Can prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics help your ageing microbiome?
4
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
5
Almost the whole of Japan moved eastward after 2011 earthquake
6
Remarkable fossils rewrite the story of how animals conquered the land
7
Carl Sagan's The Demon-Haunted World is still supremely relevant today
8
Our brains have their first thoughts surprisingly early in life
9
Autism may have two distinct subtypes that vary by brain activity
10
New Scientist recommends an excellent look at the future of work



