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Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: chris on 16/12/2010 02:53:54

Title: Are mirrors a problem for newborns?
Post by: chris on 16/12/2010 02:53:54

Is there any evidence that exposure to mirrors / reflections is bad for newborn brain development?

Title: Are mirrors a problem for newborns?
Post by: SteveFish on 16/12/2010 03:05:27

No

Title: Are mirrors a problem for newborns?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 16/12/2010 04:02:20

Quote from: chris on 16/12/2010 02:53:54

Is there any evidence that exposure to mirrors / reflections is bad for newborn brain development?

Yes if you are a vampire

Title: Are mirrors a problem for newborns?
Post by: Eric A. Taylor on 16/12/2010 13:12:13

Quote from: Chemistry4me on 16/12/2010 04:02:20

Quote from: chris on 16/12/2010 02:53:54

Is there any evidence that exposure to mirrors / reflections is bad for newborn brain development?

Yes if you are a vampire

1. Vampires do not exist
2. Even if they did, if they can be seen in visual light there is no reason they would not be visible in a mirror. A mirror reflects all visible might by using a highly polished metal (usually aluminum but silver also works).

A surface will look shiny if imperfections or holes are less than 1/8 the wavelength of the photon being reflected. The grid in your microwave can be seen through in visible light but it reflects microwaves. Some of the old large satellite dishes used a wire mesh to save both weight and cost. The holes made no difference at all in the performance of the dish as the holes in the mesh perfectly reflected the radio beams.

Title: Are mirrors a problem for newborns?
Post by: RD on 16/12/2010 13:32:05

Some evidence exposure to mirror images can modify the brain ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror_box

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptual_adaptation#Experimental_support

Title: Are mirrors a problem for newborns?
Post by: Don_1 on 16/12/2010 13:53:42

"That's a hideous picture to hang on my nursery wall Mum."(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffreeemoticonsandsmileys.com%2Fanimated%2520emoticons%2FFunny%2520Animated%2520Emoticons%2Ffunny%2520face.gif&hash=90b1d7d26dc79708c8779a3a25ea49ec)

"What do ya mean, 'its a mirror'?"

Title: Are mirrors a problem for newborns?
Post by: techmind on 22/12/2010 21:43:59

Quote from: chris on 16/12/2010 02:53:54

Is there any evidence that exposure to mirrors / reflections is bad for newborn brain development?

Why do you ask?

You're far more of a medical doctor than I am. I'd guess that seeing and learning about reflections is all part of the normal training of the human visual system.

<hums>There once was an ugly duckling, it's feathers all shabby and brown...
..."have a look in the lake and you'll see". And he looked, and he saw, and he said "I am a swan  - wheeee".   </hums>   :-)

Title: Are mirrors a problem for newborns?
Post by: RD on 22/12/2010 23:52:21

Quote from: techmind on 22/12/2010 21:43:59

I'd guess that seeing and learning about reflections is all part of the normal training of the human visual system.

Vertical mirrors aren't "normal": they don't occur in nature.

Some animals apparently think their reflection is another creature ...

[:)]


Anyway aren't newborns extremely shortsighted ? ...

Quote

Newborns are short-sighted and can see only about eight to 15 inches (20 to 37.5 centimeters) away.

http://www.babycenter.com.ph/baby/development/brain/occipitallobe/

Title: Are mirrors a problem for newborns?
Post by: CliffordK on 23/12/2010 02:01:11

Once an infant discovers the concept of self...

Then a mirror might aid with proprioception.

I can't imagine any major problems form such exposure.

Here is a short article named "Why Babies Love Mirrors"...  and discusses adding them to a baby's playtime.

http://www.whattoexpect.com/playroom/playtime-tips/why-babies-love-mirrors.aspx