We all know that animals have a special place in the human heart. But how do they affect the brain?
A team of researchers at Caltech found individual brain cells that react to animals but not to other humans, places or things. These cells were found in the amygdala, an area of the brain that is involved with emotions. These cells react to any kind of animal, such as dogs, cats and even spiders. It is said that one reason modern day humans have these cells could be that animals posed a threat to our ancestors; these cells could help the brain respond to danger faster. The finding of these cells came while researchers were studying the brains of 41 people about to undergo surgery for severe epilepsy. Doctors had placed electrodes in their
A team of researchers at Caltech found individual brain cells that react to animals but not to other humans, places or things. These cells were found in the amygdala, an area of the brain that is involved with emotions. These cells react to any kind of animal, such as dogs, cats and even spiders. It is said that one reason modern day humans have these cells could be that animals posed a threat to our ancestors; these cells could help the brain respond to danger faster. The finding of these cells came while researchers were studying the brains of 41 people about to undergo surgery for severe epilepsy. Doctors had placed electrodes in their