Imagine the human brain as a city that has grown and evolved over time. Just like a city expands by building more houses, our cognitive abilities have expanded due to the growth of cortical neurons in our brains. But it’s not just about quantity; it’s also about quality! Recent research has uncovered fascinating insights into the unique features of human cortical neurons and how they are organized within our brain’s microstructure. These studies have focused on the supragranular cortical layers, which experienced significant growth during human brain evolution. They’ve revealed special properties of the principal cells, called pyramidal neurons, that play a crucial role in our cognition. By understanding the structure, function, and transcriptomic characteristics of these neurons, scientists hope to unravel the mysteries behind human intelligence and unique cognitive abilities. If you’re intrigued by the complexity of our brain and want to delve deeper into this cutting-edge research, click the link below to explore the full article!
Human cognitive abilities are generally thought to arise from cortical expansion over the course of human brain evolution. In addition to increased neuron numbers, this cortical expansion might be driven by adaptations in the properties of single neurons and their local circuits. We review recent findings on the distinct structural, functional, and transcriptomic features of human cortical neurons and their organization in cortical microstructure. We focus on the supragranular cortical layers, which showed the most prominent expansion during human brain evolution, and the properties of their principal cells: pyramidal neurons.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.