Ultra-detailed brain map shows neurons that encode words' meaning
Scientists map neurons encoding word meanings in the prefrontal cortex. Neurons respond to related words, revealing brain's word categorization process. Research in Nature enhances understanding of language processing for future brain-computer interfaces.
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Scientists have created a detailed brain map showing neurons that encode the meanings of words. By monitoring brain activity in individuals listening to sentences, researchers identified sets of neurons responding to specific words, hinting at a common categorization of words across people. The study focused on the prefrontal cortex, where semantic meaning is processed, revealing how the brain stores and categorizes words. Neurons were found to respond to words with similar meanings, such as 'duck' and 'egg', indicating a connection between related concepts. The research offers insights into how the brain distinguishes word meanings regardless of sound similarities. This high-resolution mapping of neuronal activity provides a glimpse into language processing at the single-neuron level, showcasing potential applications in developing brain-computer interface devices for speech restoration. The study, published in Nature, marks a significant advancement in understanding how the brain encodes and organizes linguistic information.
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1 commentsToo late. Journalist and marketroids change daily the meaning of words. /s
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