home
RSS
On the Brain: When numbers have color: Synesthesia
November 17th, 2010
11:49 AM ET

On the Brain: When numbers have color: Synesthesia

For a special 2 percent of the population, the world seems a little more surreal.

In a condition called synesthesia, there are extra connections among parts of the brain related to individual senses. The actual experience varies, but some say that numbers, letters, sounds or even faces appear to have colors associated with them that most people don't see. For some, it's just an association; others actually do think they see those colors. Here's how color vision works, by the way.

Now, scientists have new clues about how the brains of people with synesthesia give rise to these bizarre-seeming perceptions. Synesthesia expert V.S. Ramachandran of the University of California, San Diego, presented the findings this week in a  press conference at Neuroscience 2010, the Society for Neuroscience meeting.

Among the findings are that the hippocampus, a brain region essential for memory, has extra connections in people who say that certain numbers remind them of particular colors. In contrast, sensory areas of the brain show greater connectivity in those who believe that they are actually seeing these colors in the numbers. Thus, there are different neural mechanisms for these two kinds of synesthesia, finds Romke Rouw of the University of Amsterdam.

This study also found that people with synesthesia generally have more white matter, indicating increased connectivity, in the fusiform gyrus, a brain area involved in the processing color, numbers, letters and faces.

"It doesn't get any better in neuroscience, when you get a quirky, odd, crazy psychological phenomenon and actually pin it down to changes on wiring in the brain, based on genes," Ramachandran said.

Research presented by David Brang at the University of California, San Diego suggests that the synesthestic brain uses this increased connectivity to transfer information from one area to another. He and colleagues used magnetoencephalography, a method of recording neural activity. They showed that activity in the brains people with synesthesia flows from the visual areas to the visual processing areas in recognizing a number, and then to the brain's color area about five to 10 milliseconds later. This did not happen in participants who do not have the condition.

Ramachandran and colleagues have also identified a gene that appears to be involved in the condition. Although synesthesia does not necessarily make people more artistic, but it does seem to pop up among noted creative people; for example, novelist Vladimir Nabokov, physicist Richard Feynman and composer Franz Liszt. Ramachandran's theory is that, genetically, synesthesia has persisted throughout the centuries in humans because of its association with creativity.

Besides seeing colors where they wouldn't be otherwise, other reported effects of synesthesia are even more mysterious: For example, some associate numbers with "male" and "female."

Many parents of children with autism e-mail Ramachandran and Brang asking them about a link between autism and synesthesia, because their children appear to have sensory abnormalities resembling synesthesia. The link has not been scientifically proven, but Brang believes there still could be some connection.


soundoff (1,306 Responses)
  1. the best massage in london

    Really appreciate you sharing this blog article.Really looking forward to read more.

    https://www.secrettantric.com/

    March 21, 2021 at 20:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. zortilo nrel

    I have been reading out a few of your articles and i can claim pretty clever stuff. I will definitely bookmark your site.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    March 21, 2021 at 20:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. xEcabLRlxK

    need help writing a college essay write college essays chemistry coursework help algebra homework help answers

    March 23, 2021 at 01:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. Debroah Bogus

    Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 24, 2021 at 13:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Merrilee Rehfeldt

    I do enjoy the way you have presented this specific concern plus it does present me some fodder for consideration. Nonetheless, through everything that I have experienced, I basically hope as other remarks stack on that individuals keep on issue and in no way get started on a soap box associated with some other news of the day. Yet, thank you for this superb point and while I can not really concur with this in totality, I value your point of view.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 24, 2021 at 13:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Dominica Erhart

    You could certainly see your skills in the paintings you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. At all times go after your heart. "Until you walk a mile in another man's moccasins you can't imagine the smell." by Robert Byrne.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 24, 2021 at 14:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Arianna Gagliano

    A lot of thanks for every one of your labor on this web site. Betty really loves participating in investigation and it is obvious why. Most people notice all relating to the lively tactic you offer informative solutions on your web blog and as well as attract participation from the others on that concept plus our favorite princess has been understanding a lot of things. Take advantage of the remaining portion of the new year. You're performing a fabulous job.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 24, 2021 at 16:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. Tula Toussiant

    Appreciate it for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting info .

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 25, 2021 at 02:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. Debi Sohn

    Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 25, 2021 at 03:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Coy Rawl

    I really prize your piece of work, Great post.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 25, 2021 at 04:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Clarisa Suet

    I dugg some of you post as I thought they were extremely helpful very helpful

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 25, 2021 at 10:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Rose Riquelme

    https://materialesdeconstruccionenecuador.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/

    March 25, 2021 at 19:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. lDKFiuwtrX

    homework help industrial revolution how to do a college essay best resume writing service in miami doing homework for money

    March 27, 2021 at 05:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. QHyDFmcLFp

    homework help middle school math best custom essay focal concerns resume writing service rochester ny

    March 28, 2021 at 07:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. BEATHE2700

    Ремонт SEMIKRON BLOCK SKIIP30NAB12T49 – SKIIP30NAB12T49 https://prom-electric.ru/remont-semikron-block-skiip30nab12t49-skiip30nab12t49/ Диагностика SEMIKRON BLOCK SKIIP30NAB12T49, SKIIP30NAB12T49. Доставка.

    March 28, 2021 at 14:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. vCHThGcRMs

    does listening to music help you with homework pay pay to write my essay uk who i am essay undergraduate thesis help

    March 30, 2021 at 19:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. srXMBkEFSS

    lego mindstorms doing homework order uk essay order 10 good excuses for not doing homework celta essay help

    April 1, 2021 at 00:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. UEIQZLCUiq

    help with chemistry homework answers service mba essay editing service buy readymade dissertation toyota global marketing strategy

    April 2, 2021 at 10:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. nxnOdOXLkh

    homework help moon phases where to buy a college essay help writing extended essay pay tv business planning

    April 3, 2021 at 16:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. truyền hình trực tuyến vtv3

    Big Size Football: This is the most commonplace yet popular gift for the diehard soccer fans.|We build strength associated with gym and explosiveness with plyos. This is especially helpful after a long day's classes, work, or playing PS3. The higher priced football fundraisers that are sold, make more money per sale made.|With this package own the skill to watch up to a whopping eight games simultaneously somewhere screen. New Year's Day brings the planet many festivities including food, family and football.|He/she can watch Sunday football wearing a popular team shirt. If you're a lineman and be healthy sufficient starting strength, no way. I have said before and I will say it again.|For example, the "E" Bell rings whenever Navy beats Army in most of the three seasons of exercise. For this reason it is always wise setting a limit for yourself and to stick to that.|College football games are actually a very enjoyable and fun event. Indeed it may be extremely exhilarating to play, and very fun to view. Don't expect to start drinking a few shakes and wake up looking like Arnold.|These questionnaires sometimes available at the school's football website. That's when a good staking plan comes in, to improve your chances finding your football draws inside a line.|It would take only tips from real sports analyst to land on successful bets. I'd go crazy to sleep extra, eat well and kill inflammation as quickly as possible. Now it has risen up as a great endeavor.|Bama is, with no doubt, top NCAA college pigskin program previously. You will also appreciate the ease of not in order to fight crowds in spending budget. It's less about form plus more ! about guts.|It's less about form plus more ! about guts. You can think of scrapbooks based on a football composition. This film is also based on the true story and shows how the group became a unifier in a divided consumer.|Once you've registered, if you wish to information all of them regularly. They are capable of making real money out today. If you don't have these within your collection then you are missing on some great entertainment.|For example, the "E" Bell rings whenever Navy beats Army in any of the three seasons of distraction. Men find them unique gifts for accessorizing themselves. They only vary from the rules, techniques, and number or fanatics.|These "sports" writers simply do not understand the sport of college football. There are three varieties of football odds and the actual one may be the fractional options. This bell sits in front of Bancroft Hall in Annapolis.|All the bells-and-whistles and marketing hype is exactly that. Online betting for football operates similar to other sports bets. The Prowler is also great since you can use it laterally, which as I said earlier, most athletes neglect.|Starting speed is hardly ever addressed by most football strength and speed options.at least not consciously. This is so because the entire game is played with just ten people, five on each arm.|While it could possibly be as popular various other countries, around the globe very popular in America.

    https://thuthuatvietnam.com/detail/ti-so-quan-vot-107020.html

    April 4, 2021 at 04:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. chPCGZIEpf

    i your teacher not your internet service provider essay help making essay spelling homework abc order dbq essay help

    April 4, 2021 at 18:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Paris Villacorta

    To be honest with you Praveen – direct referrals are not all that they are cracked up to be in most cases anyway!Just start off slow – grab no more than 5 rented referrals and extend them as far as possible (at least 150 days…240 if at all possible!). Most people tend to get the extension side of things wrong – they go for a load of referrals without extending them correctly!

    https://remote-wiki.win/index.php/Cómo_encontrar_los_tipos_increibles_de_anime_y_manga

    April 4, 2021 at 20:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. KjYIwQPKAM

    help me i can't do my homework how can we help the homeless essay rhetorical essay topics best essay writing service reviews uk

    April 5, 2021 at 03:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. pipdXSxAia

    homework help long valley nj college essay help reddit best place to purchase an essay kid doing homework clipart

    April 5, 2021 at 11:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Danny Saloum

    Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great content on our website. Keep up the great writing.

    https://extraproxies.com/tag/wheel/

    April 5, 2021 at 18:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. xiyKLGDhjK

    salvation by langston hughes analysis an example of a argumentative essay mission viejo library homework help smith family homework help

    April 5, 2021 at 20:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. trực tiếp bóng đá thẻ vàng tv

    It is tough to disregard the aspect of betting on football 1 set of muscles talks or discusses about football.|There are always 3 or 4 of these teams you will play each year. True football fans can have several scarves which form a sequence. A football scarf is an awfully popular item that outlets buy continually.|No sport stands a much better football, can easily cast a spell among all, young and old. If you're don't move your butt quickly, the bar just won't take. The film is centered on city of Odessa, Texas.|You should look for unique furniture for your son or daughter's room. It is important you give his treasures a prominent place for display. There has been much increment with they going for the football matches.|For many people, however, this is otherwise engaged of realistic. Late Olayinka John (Ayogi) was the then coach of eleven brothers. All these gimmick tools are good for selling, dangerous to speed.|Sure, it helps, but, your hams are what makes you fast regarding the football field of operation. Because as we know extremely first Professional football game was played in 1895. A football scarf can be a collector's items.|It will provide them exclusive associated with all the games they might ever in order to be watch. Use them as an accessory in this instance that i'm betting you'll feel learn the following day!|Back after i played in High School, I was much stronger than anyone, setting school records by my junior year.

    https://thuthuatvietnam.com/detail/video-bong-da-94463.html

    April 6, 2021 at 00:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. XNPuGPLvZr

    ap physics homework help essay on help your parents itt tech homework help primary homework help roman towns

    April 6, 2021 at 05:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Awilda Sawdo

    Aw, this was a really nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to make a great article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and don't seem to get nearly anything done.

    https://ExtraProxies.com

    April 7, 2021 at 03:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Yipswc

    secure astrology get pleasure from horoscopes threads blogged

    Five why You to Read Love HoroscopesWhen you are looking for raising true love well, the car crucial that you utilize the the resources open to you. i would say the really love astrological readings are one seriously superior bio. you may skeptical with regards to looking prefer horoscopes. other than fondness astrological readings go a long way. Both signs and symptoms are actually forceful along with adventurous types of, And you can a nutritious ambitious nature with shod and non-shod. They are dedicated to their loved ones, buddies as big business newlyweds about romances. this post will show you how to get a many forms of cancer hunny. they can will have heaps try out with one another in addition,yet to share. right after party, the amount of time may take flight at when they hardly ever at a loss along with ideas. all of the planning commenced in today's market meant for unions tend to be organization but also supporting in order to progress that way. pride ture of camaraderie and love are top and it easy to see the nice outside anyone. pretty existing since own dependent she is an motivation for some other ladies. He prefers gigantic producers folks or being in the heart of attention. without delay [url=https://www.slideshare.net/Jacy0526/latamdate-scam7-tips-to-ensure-your-safety-on-online-dating-sites]latamdate.com[/url] can be angry due to slowness within many people. basically spellbinding and consequently mom and dad, consistently fails to take into account the feelings amongst some other. any single section of a graph or chart shows individual areas you will. before Venus transits that one market, problems better chances discovering the right adoration while traveling or to working adventurous types of foods. all your essential a feeling and requires as for appreciation and distance present itself astonishingly fervently. you may find yourself buying little romantic movie in today's market or at best savouring selected emotional ease. Read this content and get acquainted with how Venus and also the silent celestial body have always been sending your own hint this morning.

    April 9, 2021 at 19:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. xtNVAzloDO

    writing custom ssis component english civil war essay help literature review in chronological order mythman homework help

    April 10, 2021 at 14:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. lịch phát sóng bóng đá hôm nay

    thvl online-. If you are interested in football games online of the simulation type, try Ultimate Football and Linebacker Aly. These games are patterned after American Football. If you are a fan of which games, then these ones are an individual.Next we use a football and merely add a live

    https://thuthuatvietnam.com/detail/xem-truc-tuyen-k-39552.html

    April 10, 2021 at 18:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. QWWJsSvblb

    writing companies imsa essay help help in coursework obituary writing service

    April 11, 2021 at 20:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. sildenafil cost

    sildenafil citrate australia https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ sildenafil 1000 mg

    April 11, 2021 at 23:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. KVGKlmRmEw

    doing homework together order essay writing service have someone do my homework buy homework sims 4

    April 13, 2021 at 06:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. cheap erectile dysfunction pills online

    best erectile medicine https://canadaerectiledysfunctionpills.com/ best erectile herbs

    April 14, 2021 at 00:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Man Maymon

    I do love the way you have framed this specific issue plus it does indeed give us some fodder for thought. Nonetheless, from just what I have seen, I simply just trust as the actual commentary pile on that people today keep on point and not embark on a soap box regarding the news of the day. Still, thank you for this fantastic point and even though I do not agree with this in totality, I value your point of view.

    https://extraproxies.com/how-does-market-cap-and-daily-movement-affect-a-crypto-stock-do-these-numbers-mean-much/

    April 14, 2021 at 01:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. Rudolph Thurton

    I am typically to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and preserve checking for brand new information.

    https://extraproxies.com/tag/d0bed0b1d0bcd0b5d0bdd0bdd0bed0b9/

    April 14, 2021 at 13:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. MrjFKwwPCC

    airline service quality thesis essay writing service price heat transfer homework help does doing chores burn calories

    April 14, 2021 at 15:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. generic viagra shipping from canada

    buy viagra from canada? https://canadaviagrastore.com/ canada viagra

    April 14, 2021 at 22:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. tadalafil pills

    tadalafil tablets https://elitadalafill.com/ tadalafil generic

    April 15, 2021 at 00:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. mSjmqRihVZ

    howard county library homework help a level english essay help online writing evaluation service (baird/wilson) spatial order essay definition

    April 15, 2021 at 23:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. vtv3 có trực tiếp cúp c1 không

    Go team! ca khia.link Sports memorabilia fans are in luck! There are many and varied articles and apparel available the eager football fan. He/she can watch Sunday football wearing a popular team hat. Whether you choose to watch professional football games live, with fellow enthusiasts recorded at a favorite sports bar, maybe in the comfort of your home in front of that big screen TV, wearing your team's logo a great way to show team loyalty and advertise that you're an avid fan to render it in is within the comfort to their home.

    https://www.thuthuatvietnam.com/detail/xem-truc-tiep-bong-da-viet-nam-thai-lan-94398.html

    April 16, 2021 at 14:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. zithromax prescription

    what is the generic name for zithromax https://zithromaxes.com/ zithr

    April 16, 2021 at 15:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. video of transurethral alprostadil admimistering

    alprostadil suppository demonstration video https://alprostadildrugs.com/ aloprostadil

    April 16, 2021 at 17:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. ibet889

    Very shortly this web site will be famous amid all blogging viewers, due to it's pleasant
    articles

    April 16, 2021 at 22:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. alprostadil injection video

    bremelanotide vs alprostadil https://alprostadildrugs.com/ buy muse alprostadil urethral suppository

    April 17, 2021 at 04:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. bxMaAEqSvY

    formal letter complaint bus service essay cheapest place to buy an essay abortion research paper help roman standard primary homework help

    April 17, 2021 at 09:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. vardenafil coupon

    non-prescriptoin vardenafil https://vegavardenafil.com/ vardenafil 20 mg tablets

    April 17, 2021 at 12:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Penelope Asp

    Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. But think of if you added some great photos or video clips to give your posts more, "pop"! Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this website could certainly be one of the very best in its niche. Amazing blog!

    https://extraproxies.com/proxy-packs

    April 17, 2021 at 18:04 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Leave a Reply to truyen hinh online vtv3


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.