Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

The open circles gives this an insect mandible vibes that clearly screams "bio" something.

Just like cats fly away from cucumbers, we probably have a few innate patterns triggered by some shapes. Snakes maybe, multi legged things.. oh and Trypophobic patterns.




I think the curviness as opposed to straight lines make it seem more bio. The other examples they have are made of straight lines and feel man made. Finally, I guess the spikiness conveys danger.


Flying cats?


Some cats jump ("fly") away scared when they see a cucumber as if something deep in the reptilian part of their brain is reminded of some threat.


Not really related to the biohazard subject, but has anyone figured out why cats do this? Or even posited a theory? It was a source of amusement on vine way back when that was a thing but I’ve never really seen an explanation for the phenomenon.


I've seen some quotes from animal behaviorists that it's likely related to a hard-wired fear of snakes in the feline brain. Cucumbers have the vague shape and color of certain types of snakes, which can trigger a sudden, violent reaction.


My cat absolutely flipped out at seeing a wrench on his chair a few days ago...


Snakes. Humans have a similar adaptation, our lower periphery is tuned for it, as well as our reflexes override our conscious choice when, say, a snake goes for your face behind glass


I think so too, I even think that the 's' sound is also linked to snakes and slowly creeping dangers in many cultures.





Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: