Einstein shows that size matters
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE "FATHER of Relativity" had a claim to the title of egg-head as well. The depth of Albert Einstein's insight into the nature of the Universe was matched by the width of his brain, scientists have found.
It was 15 per cent wider than that of people of normal intelligence, owing to extra development in what is known as the inferior parietal region. The findings are the first to suggest geniuses may have physically different brains.
Einstein, who died in 1955, insisted his brain be used for research. It was preserved but until now there had been no study of its anatomy. Canadian researchers have measured it and compared it with those of 35 men and 50 women of normal intelligence.
It was similar to the others except for the inferior parietal region. As a result of its extensive development, Einstein's brain was 1cm wider. The researchers, writing in The Lancet, say this may explain why he tackled problems the way he did: "Einstein's own description of his scientific thinking was that `words do not seem to play any role' but there is `associative play' of `more or less clear images' of a `visual and muscular type'.
Arguments about the biological basis of intelligence are unresolved, but with better measurement techniques and greater knowledge of the functions of parts of the brain, the researchers found a unique feature in Einstein's: the absence of a groove, called a sulcus, through part of the parietal region.
They think it may have allowed more neurons in this area to establish connections and work together more easily, creating an "extraordinarily large expanse of highly integrated cortex within a functional area". In other words, where the rest of us have sparks, Einstein had fireworks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments