Blind Man Navigates Obstacle Maze Unaided

iammani writes "The NYTimes runs a story about a blind man (blind because of a damaged visual cortex) successfully navigating an obstacle maze, unaided. Scientists have shown for the first time that it is possible for people who are blinded because of damage to the visual (striate) cortex can navigate by 'blindsight,' through which they can detect things in their vicinity without being aware of seeing them."

Comments

You know what they say

[memristance]

Blindsight is 20/20.

His name was Squeaky

[infonography]

Some say he's a goth but others say he's just batty.

Sighted Persons Unable to Navigate TFA

[Oswald]

Doctors remain baffled at the inability the majority of Slashtards to read and comprehend a simple article summarizing a medical experiment, despite apparently functioning visual systems. "They just wouldn't quit insisting that the subject of the experiment used echolocation to navigate the obstacles in the hallway, no matter how clearly and explicitly the article explained that the possibility had been ruled out," say baffled researchers. "We don't think their brains are wired correctly."

Re:Sighted Persons Unable to Navigate TFA

[sagematt]

I didn't bother to read the whole FA because I am blind, you insensitive clod!

Re:Its not that hard

[calmofthestorm]

But blindsight is such a kickass name.

What's his midichlorian count?

[Sryn]

Obi-Wan Kenobi would be proud.

Comedic irony

[Anonymous Coward]

RTFA and you'll see your wrong

Re:Comedic irony

[justthinkit]

Re-read your six words and you will see your wrong.

Re:Its not that hard

[weicco]

There is a group which teaches the blind to locate objects through echoes.

Bene Gesserit?

Sorry, I'm reading the book Paul of Dune which I just got as a Christmas present. Couldn't help myself... :)

Re:Its not that hard

[Anonymous Coward]

I suggest a double blind test.

Re:Its not that hard

[pacificleo]

"The brain is, frankly, a complete fucking mess from a design perpsective."

Thats Intelligent design for you.
jokes apart this "Blind sight " thing might have some grain of truth. its more likely to happen to people who are Not blind by birth but who loose their sight. this will be an interesting variation in the experiment . this is somewhat similar to Phantom Arm phenomena . there is a neuro anatomical explanation for this.