Do You See What I See?: The Possibilities of Pareidolia Research Pareidolia may foster creativity and flexibility, and help us adapt to challenges. Key points Pareidolia is recognizing patterns, like faces, in random stimuli, aiding survival and creativity. Research links pareidolia to neural activity, creativity, and cognitive flexibility. Tests using pareidolia-induced images may […] Read More The Role of Community Arts in Trauma Recovery The United States has experienced numerous tragedies in the past year, from the devastating wildfires in Maui to mass shootings in schools and places of worship. Such events are associated […] Read More Human Flourishing and the Arts in Unprecedented Times: Part II In this two-part series, we explore the burgeoning field of human flourishing (or simply “flourishing”), and its real-world arts- and aesthetics-based applications for bettering our physical and mental well-being. If […] Read More Human Flourishing in Unprecedented Times: Part I In this two-part series, we explore the burgeoning field of human flourishing (or simply “flourishing”), and its real-world applications for bettering our physical and mental well-being. In the last few […] Read More Do You See What I See? IAM Lab Launches Investigation Into the Pareidolia Phenomenon Human faces don’t normally belong on clouds or slices of toast. Potatoes are not seals. And peppers don’t usually look like they need a little hug. But the human mind […] Read More The Mental Health Benefits of Reading Despite recent controversies over which books should line the shelves of schools and libraries, there is little debate that literature expands the mind. But can the act of reading also […] Read More Neuroarts: An Emerging Field With a Plan to Transform Health Artists across cultures and throughout history have long recognized what scientific research has only recently been able to confirm: The arts are essential to our ability to heal and thrive. […] Read More The Silkroad Ensemble Weaves Together Music and People Music has long been recognized for its ability to bring people together. But can its healing powers help to suture the divides wrought by pandemic distancing and growing social unrest? […] Read More How Giving Back Artfully Can Give Your Teen a Boost The teen years. They’re a rollercoaster of changes that come fast and furious as the brain and body struggles to adapt to a new world order. Sound familiar? Even for […] Read More Group Singing Provides a Good Refrain for the Brain As the holiday season kicks into high gear, the sounds of choral singing are everywhere. But group singing has been growing in popularity in all seasons. According to the Chorus […] Read More More → Join the neuroaesthetics conversation: Subscribe here | Support our work: Donate here