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Groovy Brain
17 August 2015

Groovy Brain

Our brain is divided into two halves called hemispheres. Covering these hemispheres is the cerebral cortex – a thin, wrinkly outer layer of grey matter. The cerebral cortex is responsible for complex functions such as memory, language, judgement, creativity and emotions. By using software that colour-codes and maps the shape of the cerebral cortex, researchers found that the geometry of the 3D shape of the cerebral cortex is associated with an individual’s ancestral background. Europe, West Africa, East Asia and Native America were all used as ancestral references and, in the cortex, subtle differences between these lineages were seen to be focused in certain areas, mainly in the distinctive folding patterns and grooves of the cerebral cortex. These differences in folding had no impact on functional or cognitive abilities of the individual. This insight could lead to a more personalised approach for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the brain.

Written by Katie Panteli

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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