Why Our Brains Merge the Past

The mind combines recently viewed images, and even operates on a quick delay, to help process the world around us. But these features can come with downsides.

By Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi
Mar 28, 2022 4:55 PM
brain illustration person looking at water
(Credit: Jorm S/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

When Captain Marvel actor Brie Larson accepted the MTV Movie Award for “Best Fight,” she didn’t approach the stage alone. Instead, Larson used the opportunity to introduce her two stunt doubles. These agile actors frequently filled in for more daring scenes, but quick editing cuts may lead audiences to assume it was Larson herself swinging from ropes or sprinting atop a moving train.  

Neuropsychologists call this phenomenon a “continuity field”: We visually merge the images observed in the previous 15 seconds to stabilize our visual input. This explains why we don’t typically notice certain subtle changes, such as when actors like Larson are swapped with stunt doubles.  

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group