Dyslexia has long been associated with difficulty in reading. But, recent research has shown that some people with the condition can solve puzzles and understand optical illusions better. So, why is this and what does it mean for future research on this disorder?
‘Bart Simpson bouncing’ or ‘baptism piracy’ — what do you hear in this auditory illusion?
Puzzles, word games and illusions can help us test and better understand how our minds work. Taking some time out of your day to train your brain can help you relax and find your focus.
Optical illusions have been around forever, and we’re still fascinated by them. The same goes for the myth of unicorns, which dates back to the Bronze Age. Those two ideas come together in an optical illusion that will give your eyes some healthy exercise. Tap or click here and see if you can spot the horse among unicorns.
It’s not just our eyes that can be deceived. Auditory illusions give false perceptions of sound, and it’s more common than you think. Ever misheard a lyric? It’s happened to all of us. Check out this auditory illusion and show it to your family and friends. Different people will hear different things.
Assault on the senses
Remember “Yanny or Laurel”? The auditory illusion went viral a few years ago, with people arguing over what they heard.
Speaking of which, many illusions influence more than one sense at a time. In many cases, what you see affects what you hear. This is clearly illustrated in an auditory illusion that’s been making the rounds on social media for some time. Watch and listen to the video below. What do you hear?
There are nine different phrases onscreen. Do you hear just one or more than that?
- Bart Simpson bouncing
- Rotating pirate ship
- That isn’t my receipt
- Lobsters in motion
- That is embarrassing
- Lactates in pharmacy
- I’m chasing Martian
- Baptism piracy
- That isn’t mercy
Here’s a trick: Focus on just one phrase with your eyes and listen to the chants. You’ll only hear that one.
Switch things up: Read a different phrase each time you hear the chant, in any order. Whichever one you are reading, that’s the one you’ll likely hear.
Now try this: Close your eyes and just listen. What do you hear?
This illusion on Facebook isn't what it seems
The self-described “front page of the internet,” Reddit has struck again. Earlier this week, a user posted an image they found on Facebook with the caption, “How big are these Facebook Marketplace lamps?!” This optical illusion has gone viral, stumping countless people along the way.
Over Wordle? There’s a new game hidden on your iPhone called Quartiles. You score points by making as many words as you can from three or four lettered tiles. The iOS 17.5 update includes the game for all Apple News+ subscribers (you can get a free three-month trial if you don’t have it already). To find the game, open Apple News and search for Puzzles > Quartiles.
1,000 Wordle puzzles
Now available to New York Times Games subscribers. I like the comradery of everyone doing the same puzzle each day, but it’s also fun to catch up on older Wordles if you missed them! Pro tip: My favorite opening word is “stare.”
4 optical illusions that will test your brain
Optical illusions are a hoot and a half. They can leave you shocked, startled and even a little existential. The best optical illusions can leave you scratching your head and questioning reality, so we want to share four of the coolest afterimage optical illusions out there.
Stocking stuffers and small presents worth adding to your cart
You know what you’re getting the family for their big holiday gifts, but what are you going to do about all those stocking stuffers?
While some might rely on the old fallbacks — gift cards for favorite fast-food restaurants and small trinkets — you’re ready for something a little more exciting.
The best puzzles and toys to get your dog's mind working
Dogs love their humans unconditionally. You can see it in their eyes as they gaze up at you and in the excited wag of their tails. Since the average lifespan of your furry friend is only about a decade, don’t you owe them the best life has to offer?
Test yourself with more than 15,000 brainteasers, riddles and logic problems
It’s easy to fall into the routine of one Netflix movie after another when you’re housebound, so it’s important to make sure to keep your mind active as well as your body. Luckily, there are sites that make it easy and fun to test yourself with tons of free logic problems, brainteasers, riddles and more.