The Science of Illusion

By studying the disconnect between perception and reality, scientists can learn about brain function and its relevance to mental health, decision making, and the way we view ourselves and others. This video starts with a performance by illusionist Alain Nu, followed by a discussion among Nu, psychiatrist and author Richard Restak, and Stephen L. Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde, scientists who study various aspects of visual, sensory, and cognitive neuroscience. The event was held at AAAS in Washington, DC, on Oct. 28, 2014.