Why do you sometimes feel like someone is watching you? The science behind this phenomenon
oglobo29 August 2026 at 07:00
The article explains the science behind the feeling of being watched, a phenomenon known as scopaesthesia. Psychologist Edward Titchener studied this sensation in 1898, linking it to concern about what is outside the field of vision. One explanation is that the brain can process environmental signals unconsciously, such as movements, position changes, or sounds of someone approaching, triggering the sensation of being watched.
In Denmark, a therapy based on virtual reality showed promising results in the treatment of schizophrenia, helping a patient silence persistent voices after 27 years of suffering. The approach consists of transforming invisible symptoms of the disease into sensory experiences that patients can see, hear and interact with, giving them greater control over psychotic episodes. This innovation represents a hope for millions of people affected by the condition worldwide.
An entrepreneur and a scientist joined forces to develop biodegradable balloons, addressing the environmental problem caused by these celebration items. Although they are symbols of joy, traditional balloons become toxic waste when discarded in nature, releasing dangerous chemical substances and posing a fatal threat to wildlife, including birds, mammals, and marine animals that easily ingest them.
An unprecedented survey reveals that 54.1% of Brazilian smokers and ex-smokers tried to quit smoking in the last year, but only 13.4% had access to some treatment to stop smoking. The study, produced by Umane and Vital Strategies with support from Instituto Devive, shows that ex-smokers already represent 18.3% of the Brazilian adult population, surpassing current smokers (11.3%), while 70% declared they have never smoked. The data was released on National Tobacco Control Day.
A new drug for pancreatic cancer has been approved in the United States, with Europe preparing to follow the same path. The treatment costs around 34,000 euros per month and has been shown to double patients' survival rate, representing a significant breakthrough in the treatment of this often fatal disease.
