Zombie Planets, Aphantasia, and the Sounds You Didn’t Hear in Nature Docs

The Point by Modern Sciences - May 21, 2025 (A)

Author

Don Smith
May 21, 2025

By The Modern Sciences Team

May 21, 2025

Hello once again, Cultivators of Curiosity!


Welcome to the 20th volume of The Point by Modern Sciences, where we explore the hidden forces shaping our perception and the universe. This edition dives into how sound design in documentaries influences our emotional response to wildlife, the fascinating survival of planets around dead stars, and the growing understanding of aphantasia, a condition that affects how some individuals experience the world without mental imagery.


As science evolves, this volume uncovers how seemingly subtle details—whether in film production, astrophysics, or cognitive research—have profound implications. By exploring these different realms, we see how innovation in media and science not only deepens our understanding of nature but also enhances our ability to empathize, connect, and comprehend the complexities of human experience.


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MATH AND THE SCIENCES

The animal sounds in most nature documentaries are made by humans – here’s how they do it and why it matters

In wildlife documentaries, the sounds of animals, like footsteps or chewing, are often created by human Foley artists in studios, not recorded in the wild. While essential for clarity and realism, this process subtly influences how we perceive animal behavior. The crafted soundtracks can shape emotional responses and public perceptions, affecting conservation support. Critical awareness of these sound choices can deepen our understanding of animal representation in media. Read more.



The Point:

  • Wildlife soundtracks are mostly studio-made: While wildlife documentaries feature real footage, many sounds, like footsteps or chewing, are recreated later by Foley artists using inventive techniques in a studio.

  • Foley choices shape animal perception: These added sounds can influence how viewers emotionally interpret animals, potentially affecting public support for species through portrayals of cuteness or menace.

  • Subtle audio cues carry real-world impact: Like Jaws altered views of sharks, even understated Foley work in documentaries can shape conservation attitudes, highlighting the need for critical viewing.


SPACE

Zombie worlds: five spooky planets orbiting dead stars

Some "zombie worlds" orbiting pulsars offer a glimpse into the bizarre nature of planetary evolution. These planets, formed after a star's supernova, challenge conventional ideas about planetary formation. Examples like Draugr and the "diamond world" PSR J1719−1438b push the boundaries of what is possible, demonstrating the intense and extreme conditions in these far-off regions of space. Read more.



The Point:

  • Star death and supernovas: Massive stars end their lives in spectacular explosions called supernovas, which leave behind dense remnants like neutron stars or black holes.

  • Zombie planets around pulsars: Despite the chaos of a star’s death, planets like Draugr and Poltergeist have been found orbiting pulsars, forming after the supernova from leftover debris.

  • Exotic planetary survivors: Some pulsar planets, such as the diamond-dense PSR J1719−1438b and ancient Methuselah, reveal astonishing planetary composition and age extremes.


HEALTH AND THE BODY

We’re just starting to learn more about aphantasia, the inability to picture things with the mind’s eye

Aphantasia is a condition where individuals cannot visualize images in their mind’s eye, even when asked to imagine something. While people with this condition have difficulty with mental imagery, they can still recall facts and process information. This research suggests that cognitive processes vary among individuals, and aphantasia may be a unique way some people experience the world and memory. Read more.



The Point:

  • Aphantasia and Mental Imagery: Aphantasia, the inability to create mental images, affects around 4% of people. Those with aphantasia often struggle to visualize objects or scenarios in their "mind's eye," although they may experience limited involuntary imagery, such as during dreams.

  • Impact on Memory and Reading: People with aphantasia recall fewer details in autobiographical memories and report reduced emotional engagement. When reading, they show less physiological or emotional response to scenarios, likely due to the absence of sensory simulations that aid comprehension.

  • Diversity in Cognition: Aphantasia highlights variations in human thought processes, with some individuals relying on facts rather than imagery. This diversity suggests different modes of cognition, enriching our understanding of the brain’s inner workings and opening avenues for further research.