Iris scam. Iris scan

February 19, 2007 5:56 AM

Iridology may be bogus science, but it appears that the eyes really could windows to the soul as Swedish researchers reveal it may be possible to read a person's personality from their irises.
posted by electricinca (14 comments total)

Can the human iris be used as a biomarker to identify candidate genes in personality research?
posted by three blind mice at 6:07 AM on February 19, 2007 [1 favorite]

This invites some interesting speculation (being careful not to misuse "begs a question or two") about nature/nurture: If a warmhearted, kind, trusting person gets subjected to trauma that changes his/her personality to embittered, selfish, callous and suspicious, do his/her irises change also?
posted by pax digita at 6:18 AM on February 19, 2007

So now i have to wear contact lenses to win at poker?
posted by mr_book at 6:27 AM on February 19, 2007

TYRELL (os)
Is this to be an empathy test?
Capillary dilation of the so-called
blush response.. fluctuation of the
pupil involuntary dilation of
the iris......

DECKARD
We call it Voight Kampff for short.
posted by Ironmouth at 6:51 AM on February 19, 2007

Thanks for the link to the actual research study three blind mice. I had a brief look for it but failed to find it.
posted by electricinca at 7:28 AM on February 19, 2007

"Describe in single words only the good things that come into your mind about... your mother. "
posted by DreamerFi at 7:30 AM on February 19, 2007

This is very cool. Also very dangerous if it is applied to ethnicity.
posted by stbalbach at 8:12 AM on February 19, 2007

What does it mean if while looking in the mirror at my iris's I suddenly jam my thumbs in my eye socks and scream "Stop staring at me!!!!" ?
posted by tkchrist at 8:52 AM on February 19, 2007

tkchrist: "What does it mean if while looking in the mirror at my iris's I suddenly jam my thumbs in my eye socks and scream "Stop staring at me!!!!" ?"

I've heard of bags under the eyes, but socks? Obviously, it means you are very tired or very nuts.
posted by John Smallberries at 9:50 AM on February 19, 2007

Thanks for the link to the actual research study three blind mice. I had a brief look for it but failed to find it.

I searched for it in Swedish and was pleased to find a link on the University's page to an English version.

Fascinating stuff. Thanks for the FPP. Now I will be wearing sunglasses all the time.
posted by three blind mice at 12:20 PM on February 19, 2007

socks?

Eyesocks are often used in Alaska, where extreme temperatures can lead to the freezing of the protective membranes and internal vitreous humors, as well as increased risk of blink fractures.
posted by Sparx at 12:52 PM on February 19, 2007

So the fact that I have green eyes and the fact that I'm a monster are related genetically?
We'll I'll be damned.
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 2:22 PM on February 19, 2007

"Well"
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 2:23 PM on February 19, 2007

I've heard of bags under the eyes, but socks? Obviously, it means you are very tired or very nuts.

I would have responded sooner but my braille reader fell behind. You think that's funny? Making fun of the spelling of a blind guy?
posted by tkchrist at 2:40 PM on February 19, 2007