This symposium is concerned with our ability to measure and communicate subjective perception. It is about how we can use technology and other instruments to "see" physiological changes that take place inside the body. By listening directly to the body, we can make cross-cultural comparisons that circumvent cultural differences in how people perceive, interpret, or report phenomena. This symposium is also about the occasional disconnections that have been demonstrated between subjective reports and objective measures. Feelings of stress do not always match biomarkers of stress. Sensations of heat during the menopausal transition do not always correspond to the measurements of sweat on the upper sternum. How can we better measure perception? Pain researchers have long struggled with this question and have contributed a number of instruments to this area of research. Similarly, other researchers wonder if we can combat the disconnect between physiological need and energy consumption by making the calories in our food more visible. Can we teach consumers to differentiate between perception and true caloric density or portion size? Through technology and sophisticated measures, we can assess and communicate what is not easily seen.