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Super Senses: The Science of Your 32 Senses and How to Use Them
How do you sniff out danger? What is a sense of direction or a gut instinct? You know about your five hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch. But recent research has shown that we actually have at least thirty-two. We take our senses for granted but what would be possible if we properly understood how they all work?
Award-winning science writer Emma Young has spent over a decade finding out, and in Super Senses she takes us on an exhilarating sensory journey, revealing how we taste things without using our tongues, why swearing is good for us and why both chocolate and rollercoasters can help you fall in love.
Using the very latest cutting-edge research, she explains the exploits of record-breaking freedivers, whirling dervishes, super-tasters, stock market millionaires, and many more. Discover how touch can ease pain, how taking your pulse can make you fitter and why Abba's Dancing Queen sounds different in Bolivia.
Sharing surprising secrets from blind ballerinas, voodoo priests and even a nurse who can smell Parkinson's disease before it is diagnosed, Super Senses uncovers the science behind these abilities that make us human - and offers fascinating lessons in how we can all learn to use them better.
Award-winning science writer Emma Young has spent over a decade finding out, and in Super Senses she takes us on an exhilarating sensory journey, revealing how we taste things without using our tongues, why swearing is good for us and why both chocolate and rollercoasters can help you fall in love.
Using the very latest cutting-edge research, she explains the exploits of record-breaking freedivers, whirling dervishes, super-tasters, stock market millionaires, and many more. Discover how touch can ease pain, how taking your pulse can make you fitter and why Abba's Dancing Queen sounds different in Bolivia.
Sharing surprising secrets from blind ballerinas, voodoo priests and even a nurse who can smell Parkinson's disease before it is diagnosed, Super Senses uncovers the science behind these abilities that make us human - and offers fascinating lessons in how we can all learn to use them better.
384 pages, Paperback
Published April 14, 2022
41 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Emma Young
6 books5 followersEmma Young is an award-winning science and health journalist and author. She has a BSc (Hns) in psychology from the University of Durham and 20 years’ experience working on titles including the Guardian, the Sydney Morning Herald and New Scientist, for which she worked as a senior online reporter in London and Australasian Editor in Sydney. Now employed by the British Psychological Society as a Staff Writer, she also writes freelance articles and books.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 18, 2023
This is one of the best popular science books I have ever read.
It is a book both dense and intense and I am still reading it a year on, coming back to chapters or picking up on some of the research Emma Young covers. I first listened to it an an audiobook (Julie Teal's reading of it is excellent) and then bought a paper copy.
I used to work as a tour guide for Wellcome Collection, both writing and delivering tours, so I read quite a lot of popular science back then- yes, this one up there with the very best. A number of my tours or engagements covered the Senses and I wish this book had been published back then.
The book begins with chapters on the traditional five senses and their more unexpected aspects and connections, and then moves on to lesser known senses like proprioception. Emma Young manages to be very detailed about the science (and the book is referenced in a thorough way) whilst ensuring the book remains very entertaining for the non-specialised reader. In some popular science books there is sometimes a slightly frenetic over-emphasis on not very accurate metaphor and comparison ("Your immune system is a bit like a Viking invasion" type of thing) but not here. Where there are descriptions and comparisons, they really do clarify without lacking any of the satisfying detail. The science is explained but most often in terms of how the senses impact on humans and other animals.
It isn't written like a self-help book but I was, unexpectedly, helped by the last few chapters about links between the senses and emotions and about the senses working together/overworking together and problems with sensory processing that some people experience. A wonderful book.
It is a book both dense and intense and I am still reading it a year on, coming back to chapters or picking up on some of the research Emma Young covers. I first listened to it an an audiobook (Julie Teal's reading of it is excellent) and then bought a paper copy.
I used to work as a tour guide for Wellcome Collection, both writing and delivering tours, so I read quite a lot of popular science back then- yes, this one up there with the very best. A number of my tours or engagements covered the Senses and I wish this book had been published back then.
The book begins with chapters on the traditional five senses and their more unexpected aspects and connections, and then moves on to lesser known senses like proprioception. Emma Young manages to be very detailed about the science (and the book is referenced in a thorough way) whilst ensuring the book remains very entertaining for the non-specialised reader. In some popular science books there is sometimes a slightly frenetic over-emphasis on not very accurate metaphor and comparison ("Your immune system is a bit like a Viking invasion" type of thing) but not here. Where there are descriptions and comparisons, they really do clarify without lacking any of the satisfying detail. The science is explained but most often in terms of how the senses impact on humans and other animals.
It isn't written like a self-help book but I was, unexpectedly, helped by the last few chapters about links between the senses and emotions and about the senses working together/overworking together and problems with sensory processing that some people experience. A wonderful book.
July 25, 2021
Traditionally we were brought up to believe that we had five senses. It is now widely accepted that we have many more – at least 32 in fact. This book goes through them all, providing both the scientific background as well as the practical uses of each.
This is a very dense book which was quite a daunting prospect. However, I persevered and am very glad that I did. It definitely falls into the genre of popular science as, despite the vast amount of information given - some of it quite technical in nature - it is written in a way that makes it very accessible to a layman. It is well written with a good structure, well presented arguments and plenty of examples to back up those arguments. There are a huge number of interesting and surprising facts and lots of intriguing real-life stories relating either to the senses, or to a lack of them. There are also numerous suggestions for ways in which we can enhance or improve our own senses. I think my lasting impression from this book is how extraordinarily complex, intricate and clever our bodies are – amazing.
Having sung the book’s praises in the previous paragraph, I have to admit that I was actually very relieved to have finished it. This was not because I found it boring but because I was running out of the concentration required to get the most out of it. I certainly found that I was struggling to follow some of the arguments towards the end and hope that this was because the author was also running out of steam but I suspect the fault lay entirely with me.
It seems that, to some extent at least, we are in control of our own destiny when it comes to senses and that there are a multitude of things that we can do to improve them. I would love to think that I will avail myself of every opportunity to do just that. The reality is probably more along the lines of what the road to hell is paved with but heigh-ho, you can’t win them all!
This is a very interesting book but it is hard going. I would certainly recommend it to people who are, by nature, curious and who enjoy a challenging read.
This is a very dense book which was quite a daunting prospect. However, I persevered and am very glad that I did. It definitely falls into the genre of popular science as, despite the vast amount of information given - some of it quite technical in nature - it is written in a way that makes it very accessible to a layman. It is well written with a good structure, well presented arguments and plenty of examples to back up those arguments. There are a huge number of interesting and surprising facts and lots of intriguing real-life stories relating either to the senses, or to a lack of them. There are also numerous suggestions for ways in which we can enhance or improve our own senses. I think my lasting impression from this book is how extraordinarily complex, intricate and clever our bodies are – amazing.
Having sung the book’s praises in the previous paragraph, I have to admit that I was actually very relieved to have finished it. This was not because I found it boring but because I was running out of the concentration required to get the most out of it. I certainly found that I was struggling to follow some of the arguments towards the end and hope that this was because the author was also running out of steam but I suspect the fault lay entirely with me.
It seems that, to some extent at least, we are in control of our own destiny when it comes to senses and that there are a multitude of things that we can do to improve them. I would love to think that I will avail myself of every opportunity to do just that. The reality is probably more along the lines of what the road to hell is paved with but heigh-ho, you can’t win them all!
This is a very interesting book but it is hard going. I would certainly recommend it to people who are, by nature, curious and who enjoy a challenging read.
August 13, 2022
Interesting read on biological senses and it’s very clear we have more than the traditional 5 first touted by Aristotle. This is a science book and gets very ‘sciency’ in places, it helps to have some familiarity of neuroscience already as it could be difficult to follow.
I would have liked more info on how to improve my own senses or practical advice on sensing. This book is all about describing the senses and a lot of ‘well we just don’t know yet’ or ‘no one’s doing any research into this’ as the author considers the hypothesis.
Last chapter summary and touching on psychedelics was probably the best bit and I’d like to explore more on how psychedelics affect the senses specifically.
I would have liked more info on how to improve my own senses or practical advice on sensing. This book is all about describing the senses and a lot of ‘well we just don’t know yet’ or ‘no one’s doing any research into this’ as the author considers the hypothesis.
Last chapter summary and touching on psychedelics was probably the best bit and I’d like to explore more on how psychedelics affect the senses specifically.
August 30, 2022
Very interesting! I think I will embark on a journey of doing yoga with my eyes closed after reading it haha. Opens your eyes to new dimensions within your body and how you interact with the world
September 5, 2022
At times, reads like a textbook. Otherwise, interesting and informative. Especially the last few chapters covering less acknowledged senses.
April 6, 2023
A super fun pop science book about our 32(yes 32) senses.
Typically we are taught the 5 main senses, but in reality our bodies are collecting sensory data on 32 fronts. This book has it all; depth in terms of scientific knowledge, personal stories of sensory savants, interesting facts about how our senses developed and examples of how we can improve our own sensory experience.
A huge takeaway for me from this book is the range of experience that everyone has in terms of the sensory experience that hits their brain. This can lead to more empathy and desire for understanding. If one person demands the room is too cold, and the other is unbothered - there is no need to discover who is right- both people are experiencing the same temperature of the room differently. This can go for so many senses such as noise levels, tastes, sense of direction etc. It reiterates the need for acceptance of others - not conformity.
The main categories of these senses are:
-Sight
-Hearing
-Smell
-Taste
-Touch
-Pain
-Temperature
-Proprioception (body mapping - knowing where our bodies are in space, limb location)
-Orientation ( Vertical motion, horizontal movement etc)
-Interoception (innersensing - heart beat, blood pressure, Blood O2, Blood CO2 etc)
-Gut Feelings ( how much water we have, stomach fullness, etc)
Below I have listed some fun ways from the book to improve our own senses, experiments to see how our perceptions of our senses can change how we view ourselves, and some incredible stories or facts about our senses. Writing them out helps me remember them, but feel free to take a peak yourself, or better yet, grab the book and read it for yourself.
Sonar Vision - blind man rides a bicycle
Using clicks from his tongue Daniel Kish gets feedback from his environment, much like a bat, in order to sense his surroundings. This allows him to walk and even ride a bicycle.
*smelling fishy* is a metaphor used for something not convincing in over 20 languages.
Something tasting 'hot' is due to the fact that peppers have capsaicin which activate the same receptors that tell us that the temperature is warm. It is tricking us to thing that the temperature has increased - and our body responds accordingly.
Magic Shoes - what we hear can influence our perception of ourselves
Wear shoes with a microphone which is played into your ears so you hear your footsteps. Filter the noise so that we are only hearing higher frequencies. This makes the wearer feel physically lighter, people wearing these shoes report increased happiness.
Mapping which way is North.
When you go new places try to guess which way is north from where you are. Then check. Over time you will start to pick up clues from your surroundings and be more aware of your sense of direction.
Sensing your own heart beat.
Set timer for a minute. try to sense and count your heart beats internally (not using your hand) Then try again with using your hand to sense it. Over a long duration, having a better sense of your own heart rate can help lower anxiety.
These are just some fun things I learned and took away from a really cool book!
Typically we are taught the 5 main senses, but in reality our bodies are collecting sensory data on 32 fronts. This book has it all; depth in terms of scientific knowledge, personal stories of sensory savants, interesting facts about how our senses developed and examples of how we can improve our own sensory experience.
A huge takeaway for me from this book is the range of experience that everyone has in terms of the sensory experience that hits their brain. This can lead to more empathy and desire for understanding. If one person demands the room is too cold, and the other is unbothered - there is no need to discover who is right- both people are experiencing the same temperature of the room differently. This can go for so many senses such as noise levels, tastes, sense of direction etc. It reiterates the need for acceptance of others - not conformity.
The main categories of these senses are:
-Sight
-Hearing
-Smell
-Taste
-Touch
-Pain
-Temperature
-Proprioception (body mapping - knowing where our bodies are in space, limb location)
-Orientation ( Vertical motion, horizontal movement etc)
-Interoception (innersensing - heart beat, blood pressure, Blood O2, Blood CO2 etc)
-Gut Feelings ( how much water we have, stomach fullness, etc)
Below I have listed some fun ways from the book to improve our own senses, experiments to see how our perceptions of our senses can change how we view ourselves, and some incredible stories or facts about our senses. Writing them out helps me remember them, but feel free to take a peak yourself, or better yet, grab the book and read it for yourself.
Sonar Vision - blind man rides a bicycle
Using clicks from his tongue Daniel Kish gets feedback from his environment, much like a bat, in order to sense his surroundings. This allows him to walk and even ride a bicycle.
*smelling fishy* is a metaphor used for something not convincing in over 20 languages.
Something tasting 'hot' is due to the fact that peppers have capsaicin which activate the same receptors that tell us that the temperature is warm. It is tricking us to thing that the temperature has increased - and our body responds accordingly.
Magic Shoes - what we hear can influence our perception of ourselves
Wear shoes with a microphone which is played into your ears so you hear your footsteps. Filter the noise so that we are only hearing higher frequencies. This makes the wearer feel physically lighter, people wearing these shoes report increased happiness.
Mapping which way is North.
When you go new places try to guess which way is north from where you are. Then check. Over time you will start to pick up clues from your surroundings and be more aware of your sense of direction.
Sensing your own heart beat.
Set timer for a minute. try to sense and count your heart beats internally (not using your hand) Then try again with using your hand to sense it. Over a long duration, having a better sense of your own heart rate can help lower anxiety.
These are just some fun things I learned and took away from a really cool book!
January 26, 2023
I love easily accessible science books and this is one of them! There's a lot of interesting weird facts about how our bodies work and the last couple of chapters specifically had my nose in the book till I was done reading.
I only wish it had been a bit longer, and that there were more places to take a breather. A lot of it is just dense writing for pages so it was sometimes hard to pick up where I left off when I had to put it away to do something else...that's really just nitpicking though, it was a fun read all up!
I only wish it had been a bit longer, and that there were more places to take a breather. A lot of it is just dense writing for pages so it was sometimes hard to pick up where I left off when I had to put it away to do something else...that's really just nitpicking though, it was a fun read all up!
August 15, 2022
Interesting book but too science heavy for me
January 17, 2023
Not quite enough there to really stand out. I would have loved a book going deep on one of these more unknown senses like proprioception.
September 13, 2023
Great book. A little too much science to be a smooth read, but necessary for the points made. I learned a lot. I also learned that I read fiction a lot faster than non-fiction
March 10, 2024
Wry interesting and quite technical.
December 9, 2024
acho que entrou pros meus livros preferidos!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews