2008-03-26

Brain regions involved in language identified


A language feature unique to the human brain

Researchers at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, have identified a language feature unique to the human brain that is shedding light on how human language evolved. The study marks the first use of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a non-invasive imaging technique, to compare human brain structures to those of chimpanzees, our closest living relative. The study will be published in the online version of Nature Neuroscience.
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We know from previous functional imaging studies that the middle temporal lobe is involved with analyzing the meanings of words. In humans, it seems the brain not only evolved larger language regions but also a network of fibers to connect those regions, which supports humans superior language capabilities.

Yerkes researchers identify language feature unique to human brain

via: KurzweilAI.net
related: Newswise Medical News | Brain Imaging Reveals New Language Circuits