Derren Brown's Blog, page 92

Scientific evidence of poltergeist knocking?

I'll just start by reminding everyone that the posts on this blog do not always represent our views, and they are just for good healthy discussion!

"Has science finally established a paranormal effect?

Paranormal rappings associated with apparent poltergeist activity have been described for many hundreds of years. It is only now that an interesting pattern has been discovered within the fine detail of the paranormal rapping sounds. No explanation can be found for this pattern at present.

The...

Teens get high off digital drugs?

"Forget about bongs, mirrors and crack pipes. Kids are getting high using headphones. Certain MP3 music downloads available online supposedly induce a state of ecstasy.

This new practice is called i-Dosing and requires a pair of headphones and something to play music. Proponents of i-Dosing say the ecstatic feeling listeners supposedly feel is caused by the binaural beat effect.

This effect is the result of two slightly different audio waves being heard separately by the left and right ear...

Poker Face Busted? Our Eye Position Betrays the Numbers We Have in Mind

"It will be harder to lie about your age or your poker hand after new research by the University of Melbourne, Australia has revealed that our eye position betrays the numbers we are thinking about.

In the study, participants were asked to state a series of random numbers. By measuring their vertical and horizontal eye position, researchers were able to predict with reliable confidence the next chosen number — before it was spoken. Specifically, a leftward and downward change in eye position a...

A headset that reads your brainwaves

Tan Le's astonishing new computer interface reads its user's brainwaves, making it possible to control virtual objects, and even physical electronics, with mere thoughts (and a little concentration). She demos the headset, and talks about its far-reaching applications. (Recorded at TEDGlobal 2010, July 2010 in Oxford, UK. Duration: 10:38)

Via TED Blog

Virtual Universe Study Proves 80-Year-Old Theory On How Humans Interact

"A new study analysing interactions between players in a virtual universe game has for the first time provided large-scale evidence to prove an 80 year old psychological theory called Structural Balance Theory. The research, published in PNAS, shows that individuals tend to avoid stress-causing relationships when they develop a society, resulting in more stable social networks.

This study, carried out at Imperial College London, the Medical University of Vienna and the Santa Fe Institute...

Discovered: Indian spice reduces Alzheimer's symptoms by 30%

"Turmeric, a widely available and popular spice, can keep the brain sharp — naturally.

Despite millions spent on drug research and development, one of the more promising treatments for Alzheimer's disease (a progressive brain disorder that affects more than 5 million Americans) is found in a substance widely known for its ability to spice (and color) food.

The compound curcurmin, only found in turmeric, is a widely used spice found in Indian food, and is also popular in the cuisines of other S...

Wireless device sends power through armoured doors

"Scientists in the UK have developed technology that allows power to be transmitted wirelessly through several inches of steel.

The developers, at BAE Systems, say the device could be used to send power and communications signals through submarine hulls or armoured doors.

The device uses very high frequency acoustics – essentially converting the signal into sound waves.

The company has started environmental tests on the technology.

These should ensure, it says, that it will be able to survive...

Vaccine patch may replace needles

"A vaccine patch could cut out the need for painful needles and boost the effectiveness of immunisation against diseases like flu, say US researchers. The patch has hundreds of microscopic needles which dissolve into the skin. Tests in mice show the technology may even produce a better immune response than a conventional jab. Writing in Nature Medicine, the team of researchers said the patch could one day enable people to vaccinate themselves.

Each patch, developed by researchers at Emory...

The Rainforest Experience At The Parrot Zoo

As most of you know, Derren has a love for parrots and is the patron of the Parrot Zoo Trust.

The Parrot Zoo have just received planning permission to construct the Rainforest Experience, an amazing all weather development, allowing anyone at anytime to experience the creatures that live in the Rainforest set within the Parrot Zoo who recently received the honour of being within the top 100 visitor attractions to visit in the UK, this will no doubt enhance what is already a superb facility.

The...

Businessman launches manly cupcakes line

"A businessman has opened his own cake-making business called the Butch Bakery, specialising in manly cupcakes.

David Arrick, who lost his job as a Wall Street lawyer in 2008, came up with the idea after conducting some market research.

Arrick told Sky News: "That's how Butch Bakery was born, I thought they are all very feminine and pink and a lot of them are frilly with jelly beans and sprinkles, and I thought I wanted to do something very different, and I decided to do something with a...