How to Hit a Curveball (IMAGE) University of Rochester Caption University of Rochester pitcher Rob Mabee [L] throws a curveball to catcher Nolan Schultz in a composited sequence of seven images to illustrate a new study co-authored by Duje Tadin, an associate professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester, June 15, 2015. The study asserts that human brains apply an algorithm known as a Kalman filter when tracking an object's position, which helps the brain process less than perfect visual signals, such as when objects move to the periphery of our visual field where acuity is low. However, the same algorithm that helps our brain track motion can be tricked by the pattern motion of an object, such as the seams on a spinning baseball, which causes our brain to 'see' the ball suddenly drop from its curved path when, in reality, it curves steadily. Credit J. Adam Fenster, University of Rochester Usage Restrictions With attribution License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.