Things and Stuff: How the brain distinguishes oozing fluids from solid objects

Things and Stuff: How the brain distinguishes oozing fluids from solid objects

Date Posted:  August 1, 2025
Date Recorded:  August 1, 2025
CBMM Speaker(s):  Vivian Paulun
  • All Captioned Videos
  • Publication Releases
Description: 

In a new study, McGovern neuroscientists have identified parts of the brain’s visual cortex that respond preferentially when you look at “things” — that is, rigid or deformable objects like a bouncing ball -- and “stuff” — liquids or granular substances such as sand. This distinction, which has never been seen in the brain before, may help the brain plan how to interact with different kinds of physical materials, the researchers say. Learn more: https://mcgovern.mit.edu/2025/07/31/how-the-brain-distinguishes-oozing-f...