Latest news with #DepartmentofPsychology
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Optical illusion: This mysterious illusion can trick the human brain's reflexes
A new optical illusion, the 'expanding hole,' tricks the brain and reflexes, causing pupil dilation as if entering a dark space. A study reveals that 86% of people perceive the illusion, with black holes triggering stronger pupil reactions than colored ones. This suggests our pupils react to perceived light, not just physical light energy, offering insights into visual system complexity. If you are a big optical illusion aficionado and think you have seen it all, it's time to reconsider. Because this optical illusion is not just puzzling for the brain, but also tricks human reflexes at a physiological level. Yes, that's right. This is certainly not for the faint-hearted. This illusion, introduced in a 2022 study, is published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience . Expanding hole Look at this image. Do you see the central black hole expanding, as if you're moving into a dark environment, or falling into a hole? If so, you're not alone! This fascinating illusion, known as the 'expanding hole', is perceived the same way as you did by 86% of the population. This powerful visual phenomenon gives the impression of falling into a dark void, and according to scientists, it results in a physiological response - pupil dilation! A mystery to scientists This optical illusion has also grabbed the attention of scientists. "The 'expanding hole' is a highly dynamic illusion: The circular smear or shadow gradient of the central black hole evokes a marked impression of optic flow, as if the observer were heading forward into a hole or tunnel,' Dr Bruno Laeng, first author, and professor at the Department of Psychology of the University of Oslo, said in a statement. If you though optical illusions are mere gimmicks, scientists disagree. For the ones in the field of psychosociology, illusions are useful tools to understand how our visual system interprets the world, much more complexly than a simple device that just measures light. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo In this study, the researchers found that the 'expanding hole' illusion is so good at deceiving our brain that it even prompts a dilation reflex of the pupils to let in more light, just as would happen if we were really moving into a dark area. Pupil reflex and perception "Here we show, based on the new 'expanding hole' illusion that that the pupil reacts to how we perceive light, even if this 'light' is imaginary like in the illusion, and not just to the amount of light energy that actually enters the eye. The illusion of the expanding hole prompts a corresponding dilation of the pupil, as it would happen if darkness really increased," Laeng said. The researchers also looked at how the color of the hole (besides black: blue, cyan, green, magenta, red, yellow, or white) and of the surrounding dots affect how strongly humans react (mentally and physiologically) to the illusion. To test the illusion's strength, the researchers presented 50 participants (women and men) with with normal vision, to rate subjectively how strongly they perceived the illusion. When the participants gazed at the image, the researchers measured their eye movements and their pupils' unconscious constrictions and dilations. For comparison, they also showed 'scrambled' versions of the image with the same brightness and colors but no clear pattern. The findings What they found was striking. The researchers noticed that the illusion was most effective when the hole was black. Fourteen percent of participants didn't perceive any illusory expansion when the hole was black, while 20% didn't when the hole was in color. They concluded that black holes led to strong reflex dilations of the participants' pupils, while colored holes prompted their pupils to constrict. For black holes, the more strongly participants felt the illusion, the more their pupils tended to change in size. This link wasn't seen with colored holes. Understanding Brain Tumor Diagnosis Some were not susceptible The researchers found that a minority were unsusceptible to the 'expanding hole' illusion. They are unsure why. They also don't know whether other vertebrate species, or even nonvertebrate animals with camera eyes such as octopuses, might perceive the same illusion as we do. "Our results show that pupils' dilation or contraction reflex is not a closed-loop mechanism, like a photocell opening a door, impervious to any other information than the actual amount of light stimulating the photoreceptor. Rather, the eye adjusts to perceived and even imagined light, not simply to physical energy. Future studies could reveal other types of physiological or bodily changes that can 'throw light' onto how illusions work," Laeng added.
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Anxiety and self-harm: Limerick study exposes hidden struggles of young carers
According to the study, which has just been published in the prestigious The Lancet Public Health journal, over time caring increased young people's risk of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and self-harm. The research highlights the increased mental health risks for young people who provide informal care and support to family members suffering from physical or intellectual disabilities, old age, poor mental health, and substance abuse issues. Notably, young carers who engaged in long-term or intensive caregiving duties, measured in increasing hours per week, suffer worse mental health outcomes compared to their non-caring peers. The research also revealed that young carers who were assisting with personal care (ie washing, toileting), female carers, and carers from an ethnic minority background were at a higher risk. The study was carried out by a team of researchers at UL and consisted of a review of global caregiving literature to uncover the physical and mental toll experienced by young carers over time. Lead author Aoife Bowman Grangel, a researcher based in UL's Department of Psychology explained: 'Our previous research has shown that strong parental relationships, particularly those marked by expressions of appreciation, can help protect young carers from developing depression. 'A deeper understanding of the social factors that influence health and well-being is crucial for designing targeted interventions and support systems to improve outcomes for this group,' she added. Evidence from The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) indicate that up to one quarter of Irish young people provide such care. Census data indicates that a substantial proportion of these young carers provide over 15 hours of care per week, with approximately 12% delivering more than 43 hours, exceeding the duration of a typical full-time adult work week. Professor Stephen Gallagher of UL's Department of Psychology who was also a senior author on the study, stated: 'Caring can come at a cost, and be a highly stressful experience, as the unpredictable and fluctuating nature of illness exposes young people to a range of adverse emotional, social, and developmental challenges.' ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy, Family Carers Ireland, who partnered with UL on the research, said: 'Family Carers Ireland welcomes this study as it shines a light on young carers and young adult carers and the incredible contribution they make by caring for loved ones. 'The potential risks of young carers experiencing health issues highlighted in the study contribute evidence that should ensure that policymakers recognise young carers, acknowledging the very real challenges they face, and provide them and their families with the support they need to care safely.'
Newsweek
17-06-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Hearts Melt As Senior Deaf and Blind Dog Detects Owner Is Back
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A touching moment between a senior dog and her owner has captured the hearts of millions online, proving that love doesn't require sight or sound to be deeply felt. The viral TikTok video, posted by user @ashleyjanssen, shows 13-year-old Mama Nikita, a deaf Malamute mix, lying peacefully on a grassy lawn, unaware that her owner is nearby. The text layered over the clip reads: "wait to see my 13-year-old deaf sweet girl smell my sweat and that I'm nearby." Moments later, Mama Nikita stirs, sniffs the air, and smiles sweetly as she recognizes her beloved owner walking toward her. The heartwarming clip shared on June 15 has more than 1.4 million views and racked up over 178,000 likes, with thousands of users touched by the loyal pup's gentle spirit and joyful expression. Though Mama Nikita can no longer hear or see, it is clear she still shares an unbreakable bond with her human. Research backs up the emotional richness of these connections. A study from the Department of Psychology at Illinois State University compared dogs with hearing and/or vision impairments (HVI) to those with normal hearing and vision (NHV), using owner-reported behavior surveys. It found that, while HVI dogs tend to be calmer—showing less aggression, excitement, and inclination toward typical behaviors like chasing animals or rolling in feces—they may also be more prone to challenges such as chewing inappropriate objects, excessive barking, licking, and eating feces. Training methods also differ, with HVI dog owners more likely to use hand signals or physical cues, while NHV dog owners often rely on simple gestures or no formal commands. Still, the research highlights that dogs with sensory impairments are just as capable of being loving, trainable companions—given the right care and commitment. Stock image: A husky lays on grass. Stock image: A husky lays on grass. Tahir YILDIZ/iStock / Getty Images Plus TikTok Reacts While many viewers were moved by the moment, some expressed concern over Mama Nikita lying outside in the heat. Janssen addressed the worries in the comments, explaining that the dog has a shed with air conditioning to rest in during hotter weather. "Everyone is so concerned but doesn't realize there are dogs literally chained in a yard with no food or water," one commenter wrote. "I've raised huskies all my life, in Florida mind you, and they've lived happy full lives. All my huskies have wanted to sunbathe every day. They're adaptable animals. This husky is loved and cared for." Another viewer highlighted the joy in Mama Nikita's reaction: "The way she said 'hi momma,'" to which Janssen responded, "She always has a smile on her face." A third added: "The way she smiled at you when she saw you. There is no greater feeling than when a dog chooses you as their person. YOU, are clearly hers!! Dogs are the secret to life!" Newsweek reached out to @ashleyjanssen for comment. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Delhi University launches 'Negotiating Intimate Relationships' course: Gen Z will now learn to deal with relationships, heartbreaks, and red flags
Delhi University has introduced a new elective course titled 'Negotiating Intimate relationships' to help students navigate emotional complexities, identify red flags, and understand the dynamics of friendships and romantic relationships in the era of dating apps and social media. Offered by the Department of Psychology, this course is open to undergraduate students starting from the 2023-26 academic session. It has been listed on the university's official website since 2023. The decision comes in the wake of rising concerns over emotional distress and incidents of violence linked to toxic relationships among youth. The university's goal is to create resilience among students and emotional intelligence. About the course: Negotiating Intimate Relationships The course introduced by the Department of Psychology focuses on guiding Gen Z students through the complexities of modern relationships, heartbreaks, and boundaries in a digital age shaped by social media apps like Tinder and Instagram. The aim is to concentrate on topics- relationships, romance, friendships, breakups, which are often ignored by the traditional education system. The course is eligible for students who have cleared their Class 12 examinations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Structure of the course The four-credit course offers three lectures and one tutorial weekly. The tutorials will feature engaging exercises such as movie reviews, debates on dating culture, group discussions, and social media network analysis. This unique academic space provides students with a judgment-free environment to discuss their relationships openly. Key units: The transitioning of relations from friends to partners, how to maintain long-term connections, and understanding friendships and relationships. Examining emotional attachment and sexuality in relationships, and understanding love through key theories, like Sternberg's triangular theory and the two-factor theory. Teaching students to recognize signs of trouble in relationships, including jealousy, infidelity, emotional abuse, and partner violence, and empowering them to prioritize their well-being. Building strong connections through effective communication, empathy, and emotional support, thus fostering positive relationships and family dynamics. Need of the course for students The university came to the decision of introducing the course because of the rising concerns over emotional distress and incidents of violence linked to toxic relationships among youth. With structured academic engagement, the university hopes to foster greater emotional awareness and resilience among students. The course is designed to be interactive and engaging for students, but it does not offer any practical component. For instance, students will analyze cinematic representations of love and conflict in critique films like Kabir Singh and Titanic, exploring themes of toxic masculinity and idealized romance. A DU faculty member, Latika Gupta, said, 'Movies often glamorize toxic love, but in a classroom, they become opportunities to unpack harmful norms. We need to start conversations on emotional health early if we're serious about preventing future harm.' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Scoop
13-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Plane Crash In Ahmedabad
A 787 Dreamliner aircraft carrying 242 people crashed last night (NZ time) shortly after taking off in the city of Ahmedabad in western India. The airline, Air India, said 229 passengers and 12 crew members were killed in the crash; it has confirmed there is one survivor. The flight was bound for London, and the plane's history shows it regularly flies between India and destinations including Paris, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Amsterdam, and Melbourne. The SMC asked experts to comment. Emeritus Professor David O'Hare, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, comments: Note: Emeritus Professor O'Hare has researched pilot decision making and aviation safety. 'Obviously, air accident investigation is a data-driven exercise and until the flight data recordings are analysed it's impossible to give any definitive answers. 'I have looked at the data available on FlightRadar24 which shows the aircraft reached 675ft above ground level. The rate of climb appears lower than normal (approximately half as much as the flight the previous day) which could be caused by a number of factors: Engine power loss – the pilots monitor engine power carefully during take-off and could reject the take off if there was a problem. This does not seem to have been the case here as take off was continued and the aircraft rotated and began to climb out. Flap setting – an incorrect flap setting could compromise climb out performance. Retracting the flaps too early can cause loss of lift. The data recordings will show exactly what happened with the flaps. Undercarriage – if the undercarriage failed to retract then this would cause excess drag and loss of lift. Again, this will be shown on the flight data recorder. 'This aircraft appears to have had a normal take off roll but something has compromised the climb out performance. This might be something to do with the undercarriage and/or the flaps or something else entirely (e.g. Bird strike although a double strike affecting both engines is extremely rare). 'Air transport is exceedingly safe with very few accidents. The majority of these do occur on either take off or landing. 'Horrific events like this can make air travel appear less safe but these events are exceedingly rare and NZ and Pacific journalists should know that airlines in this region have some of the best safety records in the world.' No conflicts declared. Professor Paul Salmon is from the Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems at the University of the Sunshine Coast: 'Whilst the exact circumstances of the Air India Flight 171 crash are not known, what we can be sure of is that multiple contributory factors will have interacted to create the incident. Though there is often a strong focus on the flight crew and their behaviour in the immediate aftermath of such incidents, we also typically see contributory factors relating to the aircraft and its design, airports and air traffic controllers, the airline and its policies, procedures, and processes (e.g., training, maintenance, risk assessment), the aircraft manufacturer, regulatory bodies, and government to name only a few. 'In the case of Air India Flight 171, whilst there are some early indicators of what may have happened, it is important to let the investigation take its course. This will be exhaustive, will adopt a systems thinking perspective, and will be underpinned by a no-blame approach. 'Critically, rather than seeking to identify 'human errors' which are misleading and often prevent learning, the investigation will seek to understand why the flight crew's actions made sense to them at the time. This perspective will enable us to understand the full network of contributory factors involved and will reveal how the overall aviation system failed.' Paul has not declared any conflicts of interest. Salim Hijazeen is an Aviation Lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology: 'While the full circumstances surrounding Air India flight AI171, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, are still emerging, we must refrain from speculation and wait for investigators to conduct a thorough, evidence-based review. 'My deepest thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. 'The Boeing 787 Dreamliner entered service in 2011 and is a technologically advanced long-haul aircraft operated by airlines such as Qantas and Jetstar globally. It features a carbon fibre composite fuselage, highly fuel-efficient engines, and advanced safety redundancies, including real-time systems monitoring and enhanced flight control protections designed to assist crews in complex scenarios. 'Incidents involving modern commercial aircraft are rare. When they do occur, they are rigorously investigated by independent safety bodies. The aviation industry operates under some of the world's most stringent safety regulations. 'As confronting as this event is, it is through careful investigation and shared learning that the aviation sector continues to improve.' Salim has not declared any conflicts of interest. Professor Sidney Dekker is a Professor in the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science, and Director of the Safety Science Innovation Lab at Griffith University: 'Commercial aviation is very well protected (with multiple redundancies, layers of defence, procedures) against the deleterious effects of single errors or failures. Accidents are the result of a line-up or concatenation of multiple causes and contributors, all necessary and only jointly sufficient to push a system over the edge into catastrophe. 'The inability to gain adequate height after take-off can have a number of reasons, related to for instance the inability of the engines to produce adequate thrust (which itself can have a host of different reasons) or the configuration of the airframe/wings/wingflaps, or a combination of both (which itself can once again have a number of reasons). 'Investigations take time and often prove initial speculations wrong.'
