When we recognize a chair or a dog, our brain is separating them into individual properties, comparing those to information we have already learnt and then putting everything back together.
Researchers have discovered that it takes 49 properties to recognize almost any object.
These may be, for example, colour, shape, size, or the fact that it is natural, can move, is valuable or animal related.
Our ability to communicate with others depends, in part, on us being able to identify and classify objects around us properly.
The study may potentially help patients who, for example, are unable to identify animals.
We previously thought that patients were unable to recognize the animal as a whole, but it could be that the patient is unable to recognize a specific property - like four legs.
This knowledge could lead to more effective therapies for patients with brain damage.
Original article:
From fluffy to valuable: How the brain recognises objects
Original study: