On Demand
Blindsight
A team of international brain researchers recently produced some unbelievable footage: A completely blind man walking down a littered hallway, apparently cognizant of the obstacles before him and avoiding them all. For years, scientists have quarreled over the legitimacy of "blindsight." Now, it seems undeniable - but what will be the consequences? We're joined by Richard Held, who pioneered blindsight research in the 1970s, and Rob Stein of the Washington Post.
Watch video footage here, hosted by Professor Beatrice de Gelder, a member of the research team.
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Dude, Daredevil has been doing this since 1962. (He got his "blind sight" from radiation, though.)
I'm interested in the research that supports this theory. I don't understand why this video is seen as evidence. Where does it come from? Why are we so sure that this is proof of this phenomenon?
I am blind and make extensive use of echolocation.
I am inclined to believe that this research is irrelevant until it is prove by ruling out the use of echolocation. Cover the face and ears while leaving the eyes uncovered. This should make it more clear that echolocation is not being used to detect obstacles.
I am blind and use echolocation to determine the location of objects when it is possible to do so.
I am inclined toward the opinion that this research demonstrates the use of echolocation until proven otherwise. Cover the face and ears while leaving the eyes uncovered. This should make it clearer that ehcolocation is not responsible for the ability to avoid obstacles.
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