People Who Can’t ‘See with Their Mind’s Eye’ Have Different Brain Wiring

A new study suggests that people with **aphantasia**—the inability to visualize images in the “mind’s eye”—still generate brain activity in the **primary visual cortex** when attempting to imagine objects. However, these signals may not be processed in a way that allows for conscious perception. Researchers found that brain wiring in people with aphantasia may differ from those without the condition, leading to a disruption in mental imagery. Further studies are needed to understand why these images remain unconscious.

A new study suggests that people with *aphantasia* still generate brain activity when trying to visualize, but the image may be getting lost in translation.

People with *aphantasia* lack the ability to summon clear images in their “mind’s eye.” However, new research published in the journal *Current Biology* on January 10 indicates that their brains may still hold the blueprints for these imagined images.

The study found that the *primary visual cortex*—the brain region responsible for processing visual information—lights up even in people with aphantasia when they attempt to visualize. However, these signals may be altered or disrupted before reaching conscious awareness.

Key Findings of the Study

– Brain scans (fMRI) revealed : that people with aphantasia still show activity in the primary visual cortex when trying to visualize images.
– However, their brain : activity was slightly weaker during actual perception, suggesting a different way of processing visual information.
– The “binocular rivalry” test : showed that people with aphantasia were much less influenced by mental imagery compared to those without the condition.
– Researchers used *artificial intelligence (AI) : to analyze brain activity and found that signals related to mental imagery were present but did not overlap as they did in people without aphantasia.

According to study co-author **Joel Pearson**, this suggests that people with aphantasia may have fundamentally different brain wiring that prevents them from consciously perceiving mental images. However, further research is needed to understand why these images remain unconscious despite being generated in the brain.

Disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you suspect you have aphantasia or any related condition, consult a medical professional or neuroscientist for further evaluation.

source : live science