Brain Map Reveals Neurons for Word Meaning

Scientists have developed a precise brain map by monitoring live subjects, revealing how neurons encode the meanings of words. This groundbreaking study, published in Nature, shows that the brain categorizes words similarly across individuals, facilitating the transformation of sound into comprehension. By recording neuronal activity from participants undergoing epilepsy surgery, researchers found distinct neurons activated by specific words, indicating shared semantic categories like actions or relational terms. This detailed insight into brain function could advance therapies like brain-computer interfaces for speech restoration.