Study Of Monkey Brain Is Revealing

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - You have probably heard the theory that we utilize only a small percentage of our brain. One of the reasons we can do this is because certain areas of the brain are involved in certain tasks.

The theory is supported by animal studies.

A fascinating study looks at the monkey brain. They have a specific area in their brains completely dedicated to responding to the sight of faces. Ninety-seven percent of the neurons in an area of their brain called the face patch, responded at least twice as strongly to faces, as they do to other objects. Most of the neurons responded to all kinds of faces.

It tells us a little bit more about what we need to know. Different parts of the brain have an impact on everything we do. We are starting to learn how to track it.