You are here

Number Sense Localized in Brain Like Other Five Senses

Scientists have identified the region of the brain that allows humans to see a small number of items and know how many there are without having to count them.

Studies had found neurons in monkey brains that light up when the primates see a specific quantity—three circles displayed on a computer screen, say—so scientists went looking for similar neurons in people.

They were not disappointed: According to a team led by Ben Harvey (Utrecht University), small patches of neurons just above each ear allow us to quickly sense quantities.

Read NPR's story.

Start Date: 
Monday, September 23, 2013