Susana Martinez-Conde

Teller, one-half of the iconic magic duo Penn & Teller, discusses the fascinating intersection of magic and neuroscience with Susana Martinez-Conde, a renowned neuroscientist at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. They explore how magicians expertly exploit human perception and the brain's limitations to create mind-bending illusions. Highlights include the role of misdirection, the psychology behind survival instincts, and how our perception of truth can be manipulated. This compelling conversation reveals how magic not only entertains but also challenges our understanding of reality.

Susana Martinez-Conde, a renowned professor specializing in ophthalmology and neurology, shares her insights on the captivating world of visual illusions. Discover how our brains interpret motion through astonishing examples, including award winners from her Illusion of the Year contest. The conversation dives into the science behind perception, revealing how illusions shape our understanding of reality. Martinez-Conde highlights the unique interplay of art and neuroscience, illustrating why these quirks of perception aren't flaws but fundamental features of the brain.

Magician Robert Strong and cognitive neuroscientists Stephen Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde discuss how magicians manipulate attention, deceive the brain, and create illusions. They explore the neuroscience behind magic tricks, highlighting attention manipulation, misdirection, and the collaboration between magic and neuroscience in studying perception and consciousness.