Neuroscientist’s book of illusions shortlisted for children’s science prize
Posted on behalf of: University of Sussex
Last updated: Wednesday, 7 May 2014
Professor Anil Seth
A book about optical illusions, co-authored by a Sussex neuroscientist, has today (Wednesday 7 May) been shortlisted for the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize.
The prize is awarded annually for the best book that communicates science to children aged up to 14.
Professor Anil Seth, Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at Sussex, worked as consultant editor on the shortlisted book Eye Benders: The science of seeing and believing, by Clive Gifford.
The book’s publisher, Lewes-based Ivy Kids, describes it as a “crazy book of optical illusions” that “introduces kids to the neuroscience behind how our brains and our eyes interact, creating these amazing phenomena”.
A panel of judges has now chosen it as one of six books on this year’s shortlist.
The judges said: “Warning: this book will try to trick you! It is full of optical illusions you can try for yourself, and we love how interactive this is. What this book does really well is explain each trick of the eye through the science behind it. Both fascinating and fun.”
Groups of young people across the UK will now judge the six shortlisted books and choose a winner, to be announced in November.
The Royal Society will be running a blog throughout the judging process, and, like the other shortlisted writers and editors, Professor Seth will be on hand to answer questions from the young judges about the book.
Professor Seth said: “We see with our brains, not just with our eyes, and visual illusions like those in Eye Benders show just how much goes on behind-the-scenes in transforming patterns of light into visual experiences.
“Illusions are great fun too, making them perfect for young people getting to grips with their grey matter.
“I’m delighted that the book has been recognised by the Royal Society and am eager to answer any questions that come my way!"
For more information on the book prize, visit the Royal Society’s website.
Professor Seth is co-Director of the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science at the University. His book 30 Second Brain was also published this year.