The Larger Brains of Humans Come with a Tragic Cost, Study Finds
Research from Heinrich Heine University shows that larger human brains enhance cognitive abilities but increase susceptibility to age-related gray matter loss, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, necessitating further study.
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New research from Heinrich Heine University reveals that the larger brains of humans, which have contributed to our advanced cognitive abilities, also make us more susceptible to brain decay as we age. The study, led by neuroscientist Sam Vickery, analyzed MRI scans from 189 chimpanzees and 480 human brains to compare gray matter volumes. The findings indicate that while chimpanzees and olive baboons do not show a correlation between brain size and age-related decline, humans experience significant gray matter loss, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for higher cognitive functions. This unique cortical expansion in humans is linked to increased vulnerability to age-related degeneration, exacerbated by conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The research suggests that the prefrontal cortex, which matures last during development, is also the first to decline with age, potentially due to its lower neuron density. The study highlights the need for further research with a balanced sex ratio in the samples to validate the findings. Ultimately, the results underscore the importance of maintaining brain health to preserve our cognitive abilities as we age.
- Human brain expansion enhances cognitive abilities but increases vulnerability to aging.
- The prefrontal cortex is particularly affected by age-related gray matter loss.
- Chimpanzees show less gray matter decline with age compared to humans.
- Further research is needed to confirm findings with a balanced sex ratio in samples.
- Maintaining brain health is crucial for sustaining cognitive functions over time.
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3 commentshttps://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado2733
(I’m super curious as to why those sciencey feed-site thingies almost never say what paper it is. Just “a study published in Bla”. Kind of hidden? It’s…deeply weird to me. Curious about the incentives. Or if it’s simply a culture of sorts.)
I think this problem will disappear as more and more women delay child birth to their late 30s and 40s.
Yes this means some women will not be fertile anymore by the time they are ready and have made the decision to have children, but the ones that remain fertile will pass on their genes and this will cause selective pressure towards longevity in humans.
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Humans 1, Chimps 0: Correcting the Record
Jason Collins critiques the claim of superior chimpanzee working memory, citing methodological flaws in studies. He argues that with training, humans can match chimp performance, emphasizing accurate scientific representation.
Five ways the brain can age: 50k scans reveal possible patterns of damage
A study of nearly 50,000 brain scans identified five brain atrophy patterns linked to aging and neurodegenerative diseases, predicting cognitive decline and correlating with lifestyle factors and health markers.
Brain clocks capture diversity and disparities in aging and dementia
A study of 5,306 participants across 15 countries found that Latin American and Caribbean populations have older brain ages than non-LAC, influenced by socioeconomic factors and health disparities.
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A study in Science Advances reveals the human prefrontal cortex is vulnerable to age-related decline, supporting the "last in, first out" theory, and suggests unique evolutionary aspects compared to other primates.