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NEWS SEARCH
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| MEDIA
ADVISORY
: A real "sixth sense" in humans? UC Berkeley students
explore the possibility
ATTENTION:
ASSIGNMENT DESKS
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11.16.00
Contact:Kathleen
Scalise
(510) 643-4107
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WHAT: |
For
a limited time this semester, freshmen at the University
of California, Berkeley, will conduct experiments testing
controversial findings from England that suggest people
have an inborn ability to use the Earth's magnetic field
and navigate without traditional use of senses such
as sight and hearing.
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WHEN:
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The
experiments currently are underway. Interested reporters
should make arrangements ASAP through UC Berkeley Media
Relations, (510) 643-4107. |
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WHERE:
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The
experiments are being held in 5188 Valley Life Sciences
Building, UC Berkeley. |
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WHO:
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Blindfolded students will spin in laboratory chairs
until disoriented. Some will have the Earth's magnetic
field distorted by a magnet placed on their head; others
will not. They will then attempt to identify the locations
of common landmarks and directions such as north and south
without sight or hearing. After data collection is complete,
students will be available to talk about their role in
designing and completing the scientific experiment, and
about other aspects of their experience in the freshman
seminar series. Additional visuals of interest include
a variety of animal navigation devices on display at the
nearby UC Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science, including:
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BACKGROUND:
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A giant bat head that can be entered to experience sonar
navigation from a bat's point of view. It includes sound.
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A large model of a jellyfish showing the unique ways
in which this creature gets around.
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A three-yard-long "wall of hair" that replicates how
navigational clues are gathered through tactile senses.
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A variety of live animals, including turtles.
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