What is the truth behind the Russian girl with x-ray eyes?

In summary, this girl is able to see through people and diagnose their problems. Some people think she is fake because of the way CSICOP debunked her, but she is still impressive.
  • #1
QuantumTheory
215
0
I'm watching a program on discovery channel now about a girl in russain bloc who can actually, get this, see through people and diagnoise their problems! She lives in poverty, and people come to her from all over russia for help since some of the doctors there cannot help her.

Has anyone else heard of this person?
 
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  • #2
She was on CSICOP the other night and they debunked her. They ended up with a final experimental setup in which she had to successfully diagnose 5 of 7 patients to be considerated legitimate, and she successfully diagnosed 4. Whatever she is doing remains impressive, and frankly, I'd let her diagnose me, as she seemed to have a perfect success rate when she was allowed to do it her way. Still, it was clear by the end that she is not literally able to look inside of people.
 
  • #3
loseyourname said:
She was on CSICOP the other night and they debunked her. They ended up with a final experimental setup in which she had to successfully diagnose 5 of 7 patients to be considerated legitimate, and she successfully diagnosed 4. Whatever she is doing remains impressive, and frankly, I'd let her diagnose me, as she seemed to have a perfect success rate when she was allowed to do it her way. Still, it was clear by the end that she is not literally able to look inside of people.

I haven't watched the end yet. But at the end this happens?
 
  • #4
Oh, you're watching the same show. Yes, she is eventually dismissed. Sorry to ruin the ending for you.
 
  • #5
What sort of things is she successfully diagnosing?
 
  • #6
She lives in poverty, and people come to her from all over russia for help since some of the doctors there cannot help her.

She could very well use her unique skill to gain riches.
 
  • #7
CSICOP's test wasn't very definitive, but it was statistically signficant. It would probably be worth testing her again - if she would agree to it.
 
  • #8
Hmm, x ray vision? How is that even supposed to work? I mean, what is the source of these x rays that she can see?
 
  • #9
Theoretician said:
Hmm, x ray vision? How is that even supposed to work? I mean, what is the source of these x rays that she can see?
I think, more accurately that 'x ray vision' should be ' "x ray vision" '.

I doubt the article is really attempting to explain *how* she does it - the x ray vision is merely a metaphor to describe this superhuman ability.
 
  • #10
this program was on in the uk about 6 months ago, and she was even invited on some breakfast programs.

what she did was impressive, but i think id agree that she doesn't literally mean "x-ray vision", she probably never mentioned it, cos if you look at an x-ray it can't really tell some of the detail she seems to be able to give.

freaky...
 
  • #11
i actually remember reading about this in skeptical inquirer. some interesting notes:

-the testers wanted to place a fabric screen between the girl and the subjects, but the girl claimed that she could not see through the screen to examine the subjects, even though she does claim to see through peoples clothes.

-she claims to be able to see through people down to the cellular level.

-during the test, there were 7 patients, and she was given the ailments and all she had to do was match the ailment with the patient. to quote the article, "she was told exactly what to look for and where to look."

-along with the four she guessed right, one of the misses included her diagnosing a man with a missing appendix with a large metal plate in his skull.
 

1. What does it mean to have "x-ray eyes"?

"X-ray eyes" is a term used to describe someone who has the ability to see through objects and materials, similar to the way an x-ray machine can see through the body. In the case of a Russian girl with x-ray eyes, it refers to the fictional ability for her to see through objects using special vision.

2. Is it scientifically possible for someone to have x-ray vision?

No, it is not currently possible for humans to have x-ray vision. While some animals, such as certain species of fish and birds, have the ability to see in the near-infrared spectrum, it is not the same as x-ray vision. X-rays are a form of high-energy radiation that can be harmful to living organisms, and our eyes do not have the necessary biological structures to detect and process this type of radiation.

3. How does this concept of a "Russian girl with x-ray eyes" relate to science?

The concept of a Russian girl with x-ray eyes is a fictional idea that has no scientific basis. However, it does touch upon the field of biotechnology, where scientists are researching ways to enhance human vision and potentially give us the ability to see beyond the visible spectrum. This could include technologies such as infrared or ultraviolet vision, but not x-ray vision.

4. Are there any real-life examples of people with x-ray vision?

No, there are no known cases of people with x-ray vision. However, there are individuals with a condition called "synesthesia" where their senses, such as sight and sound, can intersect or overlap. This can result in the ability to see colors when listening to music, for example, but it is not the same as x-ray vision.

5. How has the concept of a "Russian girl with x-ray eyes" been portrayed in popular culture?

The idea of a person with x-ray vision has been a popular trope in science fiction and superhero stories, often depicted as a superpower. Some notable examples include the character Superman, who has the ability to see through objects using his "x-ray vision," and the character Vanya Hargreeves in the Netflix series "The Umbrella Academy," who has the ability to see through solid objects. However, these depictions should be seen as purely fictional and not based on any scientific fact.

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