Researchers report the neural code of the prefrontal cortex is more efficient than the amygdala in both humans and primates. The lower resistance of the amygdala to errors in humans may play a role in exaggerated survival responses, such as those seen in anxiety and PTSD.
A new study reports carnivores with larger brain compared to body size are better at complex problem solving.
Greater hippocampal volume is not always a reliable predictor of learning and memory ability in older adults. Faster learning was only found in older adults who had both greater hippocampal volume and more uniform white matter connections to other parts of the brain.
Two new studies shed light on brain development and changes in ASD. Researchers found the development of white matter tracts in the brain was linked to the severity of autism symptoms. Additionally, larger brain size at age 3 was linked to a larger brain size later in childhood.
A new study reports bigger brain size could mean an increased risk of developing brain cancer. The reason, researchers say, is simple. Bigger brains have more brain cells, and thus a greater potential for cell mutations that lead to cancer.
A new study reports the larger the growth of areas associated with thinking in the cortex, the slower the growth of regions associated with emotional, sensory and motor skills.
Researchers have identified a link between cortical surface area, height and cognitive ability. The study reports taller people have bigger cortices, which in turn is linked to better cognitive function.