Looking at stuff versus thingsSometimes called the “what” region, our brain’s ventral visual pathway helps us recognize shapes and 3D objects. Previous brain imaging studies have revealed regions within the ventral visual pathway that are involved in this important function. The brain’s dorsal visual pathway helps us compare what we are seeing in tandem with our other senses. A new study finds parts of the brain’s visual cortex are specialized to analyze either “things” like solid objects or “stuff,” flowing materials like water or sand. They found that both the ventral visual pathway’s LOC and the dorsal visual pathway’s FPN regions respond to things and stuff.