Do humans have a ‘seventh sense’? Scientists in London discovered remote touch ability

New research suggests humans might sense objects without direct contact. (Image: Canva)

• Scientists discover humans can sense objects without direct contact.
• This "remote touch" may be a potential seventh sense in human perception.
• Findings could impact robotics, assistive tech and search-and-rescue tools.

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New research suggests humans might sense objects without direct contact. Scientists are calling this a form of remote touch, a potential "seventh sense". This discovery could reshape how we understand human touch and perception. Experiments show people can detect buried objects before physically touching them. The findings hint at remarkable sensitivity hidden within the human tactile system.

What Is Remote Touch?

Traditionally, touch has meant physical contact with objects. But new experiments show people can sense objects indirectly. This ability resembles behaviours seen in some animals, like shorebirds. Researchers describe it as a remote form of tactile perception. It suggests there may be more to human touch than previously thought.

Who Made the Discovery?

The study was led by teams at Queen Mary University of London and University College London. Scientists with expertise in psychology and human perception conducted the work. They designed experiments to test how people sense objects buried beneath surfaces. The surprising results emerged from careful measurement and analysis.

How the Experiments Worked?

Participants were asked to sweep their finger across sand. Each trial hid an object slightly below the surface. People had to say whether an object was present or absent. Remarkably, many correctly identified objects before touching them. This indicated sensitivity to minute shifts in the sand itself. To compare, researchers also tested a robotic system with artificial intelligence. The robot could detect movements from farther away.

So, Is this A New Sensory Frontier?

The findings challenge long-held assumptions about how touch works. Humans may detect physical cues through complex mechanical pathways. These cues reach the skin without direct contact with the object itself.

Researchers liken the capability to a seventh sense. It joins sight, hearing, smell, taste and traditional touch and balance. But scientists stress this is early work, not a supernatural ability. It reflects sensitivity to physical forces that were previously overlooked.

Practical Applications and Future Research

Understanding this remote touch could help engineers design better technology. Robots might one day sense obstacles without cameras or direct contact. Assistive devices for visually impaired people could harness similar principles. Archaeologists and search-and-rescue teams could benefit from remote detection tools. Even planetary exploration might use tactile strategies where vision fails.