The author argues that Michael Polanyi's philosophy of science can be understood as an (unconscious) attempt to recapture elements of experience largely forgotten or repressed in modernity. Specifically, the author argues that Polanyi's epistemology appears to draw on elements of oral-aural experience that have been relatively ignored by the…

We frequently encounter groups of similar objects in our visual environment: a bed of flowers, a basket of oranges, a crowd of people. How does the visual system process such redundancy? Research shows that rather than code every element in a texture, the visual system favors a summary statistical representation of all the elements. The authors…

Discusses neural activity and stimulation crucial in fetal brain development and the formation of the mind. Focuses on activity-dependent remodeling related to development of the visual system and retinal activity. (MCO)

This review of the literature examines the effects of blue light (or near UV - ultraviolet), especially that given off by black-light tubes, often used with children with visual impairments. It finds a long-term danger of retinal and lens damage and offers six practical suggestions which emphasize using proper filters and limiting exposure to…

In addition to their restricted peripheral fields, persons with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) report significant problems seeing in low levels of illumination, which causes difficulty with night travel. Several devices have been developed to support the visual needs of persons who have night blindness. These devices include wide-angle flashlights,…

Provides information to identify and implement the key characteristics which contribute to an efficient and comfortable visual display unit (VDU) lighting installation. Areas addressed include VDU lighting requirements, glare, lighting controls, VDU environment, lighting retrofit, optical filters, and lighting recommendations. A checklist to…

Discusses physiological and psychological aspects of color. Includes guidelines for using color effectively, especially in the development of computer programs. Indicates that if applied with its limitations and requirements in mind, color can be a powerful manipulator of attention, memory, and understanding. (Author/JN)

Reviews the research on the harmful effects of reading from a horizontal surface. Urges educators to teach children proper body-book position and, where possible, to supply book holders. (ARH)