SYNESTHASIA

Nope, this isn't about some weirdly-named Eastern European princess who wants to build a snowman. This is about people who can taste a snowman when they see one.

Photo illustration by Daniel M.N. Turner/NPR

The article, "Some People Can Really Taste the Rainbow," written by Audrey Carlsen for the  NPR website tackles synesthasia, a neurological condition also known as the "union of senses."  It gives some people the ability to taste colors, see or feel sound.  Chef Taria Camerino, one of the featured synesthists, says  she can taste "music, colors, shapes and even people's emotions," and she can "identify objects based on their synesthetic flavors."

Live Science also sheds light on the matter with its story on Ingrid Carey, who says she can feel, hear, smell and taste color.

The condition was considered and aberration in the 19th century when the first documented studies appeared. The synesthists must have been seen as X-men with unpopular powers because the studies were eventually abandoned. It was only in the 1990s when there was renewed interest on the subject. Today, there are several organizations you can contact online if you think you have this condition.

If you can smell and taste the letters on this blog, you may want to check out these websites:

Synesthesiatest.org

bluecatsandchartreusekittens.com

 http://www.eaglemanlab.net