Psychokinesis - what is known about this phenomenon

Psychokinesis, also known as telekinesis, is the ability to move or influence objects with thought alone, without physical contact. Although it has been a topic of interest in paranormal researchers and science fiction for years, the scientific evidence for its existence remains controversial and inconclusive.

The history of psychokinesis research dates back to the 19th century, when spiritual mediums such as Eusapia Palladino claimed to be able to levitate objects during séances. Although many of these appearances were exposed as frauds, Palladino convinced some scientists, such as Pierre and Marie Curie, that she possessed supernatural abilities. In the 20th century, J. B. Rhine of Duke University pioneered a more scientific approach, investigating the influence of the mind on the results of dice rolls. Although his experiments yielded some results suggesting the possibility of mind-over-matter influence, critics charged that he was flawed in his methodologies, and other research teams were unable to replicate his results.

Modern research into psychokinesis focuses on “micro-PK,” or the manipulation of very small objects, such as influencing random number generators. Using advanced statistical tools, researchers can study subtle deviations from the norm that could indicate psychokinesis at work. These experiments, while sometimes yielding results that depart from chance, are still questionable due to the possibility of research errors and external influences.

Famous exponents of the psychokinesis phenomenon, such as Uri Geller, gained popularity in the 1970s with claims that they could bend spoons or repair watches with their minds. However, skeptics such as James Randi have repeatedly demonstrated that such demonstrations are the result of skillful illusionistic tricks rather than genuine psychic powers.

Although research into psychokinesis continues,  science has yet to find convincing evidence that mind can directly influence matter. Theoretical frameworks include speculations about influences from quantum mechanics, but these remain hypothetical. Psychological factors such as suggestion, expectation, and cognitive effects also play a key role in how people perceive psychokinesis phenomena.

Neanderthals Suffered from Social Isolation? This May Have Hastened Their Extinction

 Studies of the remains of a Neanderthal nicknamed Thorin shed new light on the social structure of this extinct hominid species. The findings suggest that some Neanderthal communities may have been highly isolated, which could have negatively affected their ability to survive.

Thorin's remains, dated to around 45,000 years ago, were discovered in the Grotte Mandrin cave in France. Analysis of DNA extracted from his teeth and jaw showed that Thorin belonged to a genetic lineage that diverged from other Neanderthals more than 100,000 years ago. This means that the community in which he lived was long isolated from other Neanderthal groups.

"It was previously thought that there was only one, genetically homogeneous population of Neanderthals at the time of the extinction. Now we know that there were at least two distinct populations at the time," says Tharsika Vimala, a population geneticist at the University of Copenhagen and co-author of the study.

Archaeologist Ludovic Slimak, who discovered Thorin's remains, emphasizes that his community did not exchange genes with other Neanderthal populations for 50,000 years. "This would be unthinkable for modern humans and shows that Neanderthals perceived the world very differently than we do," he notes.

Social isolation may have been a key factor in the Neanderthal extinction. Lack of contact with other groups limited genetic diversity, which reduced the ability to adapt to changing climates and pathogens. Furthermore, as Vimala points out, social isolation may have limited the exchange of knowledge and evolution as a population.

"It's always good when a population has contact with others. Long-term isolation limits genetic variability, which in turn weakens the ability to adapt and limits social development," the researcher explains.

Although the causes of Neanderthal extinction are still not fully understood, scientists suspect that climate change, increasing competition from homo sapiens and social isolation may have played a key role in their final demise around 40,000 years ago.