Best Visual Illusion Of 2010 Defies Gravity

[TheMadMonk]

WASHINGTON (ISNS) -- On May 10, Japanese scientist Kokichi Sugihara claimed to have discovered a technology that every sixth grader knows to be impossible: a magnet that attracts wood. In front of a crowd of hundreds, he played a video showing four wooden balls rolling up four ramps, supposedly pulled uphill by his new super-magnet.

The audience clapped and cheered, but no one believed that magnets were behind the gravity-defying demonstration.

That's because Sugihara and others were showing off the latest in visual illusions -- designed to trick the mind into seeing the impossible -- during the 6th annual Best Illusion of the Year contest at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples, Fla.

Sugihara's clever arrangement of wooden ramps and balls won first place, beating out the other 83 contestants.

<more, including video>
http://www.livescience.com/technology/Visual-Illusion-Defies-Gravity-100511.html

[thereismore]

1. I am sure this only works on a 2D screen. nt

[lob1]

3. I don't think it has to be shown on a 2-D screen.

I've seen similar illusions before, and you have to stand in the exact right spot for it to work.

[TheMadMonk]

4. Indeed it does. However, you can tell something's screwy...

...if you pay attention to how fast the balls roll.

Watch the vid.

[thereismore]

5. Yes. With one eye closed. Otherwise the real 3D effect will ruin the effect. nt

[-..__...]

2. It's a miracle!