Face Recognition
Research out of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston reveals evidence of a face recognition area in the brain.
Functional MRI (fMRI) can observe three dimensional volume that cotains about 200,000 neurons. Using fMRI at higher resolution allows researchers to zoom in on smaller bits of the visual cortex; Similar to looking at grains of sugar rather than a whole sugar cube.
Now, researchers have identified two pea sized areas of the brain they believe are responsible for face recognition. It is called "fusiform face area" (FFA) because it resembles a spindle or "fusus" in latin. It helps explain why we are so good at remembering faces which in turn, makes us us able to make snap judgments about gender, age, mood, expression, intent, attractiveness, and honesty. This ability enables social interaction and was probably critical in the survival of our primate ancestors.
FFA images may assist our understanding on propopagnosia, an impairtment in the recognition of faces known as face blindness.
The study of brain circuits may help treat autism and depression.
