How perception works: why what you see is your brain's best guess
Why you can't tickle yourself: how your brain predicts what you feel
A feather on your palm makes you laugh, unless your own hand holds it. Scientists tested why with a robot arm, and the answer reaches far past tickling.
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Miva runs a feather over Rono's open hand. He laughs and pulls it away.
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Then she gives him the feather. Same hand, same feather, and nothing: it is just a touch. Try it on your own palm.
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