Monday, January 10, 2011

Is your social life extra full? A big amygdala may be why - The Boston Globe

For a fascinating read in this context, check out God Soul Mind Brain

Social butterflies don’t just have more friends than other people; a study finds that deep within their brains, they also have a larger amygdala — the almond-shaped structure that has long been known to play an important role in emotions.

Scientists who study nonhuman primates have found species that live in larger and more complex social groups have bigger amygdalas. Now, as part of a broader research program focused on unraveling the role that this central brain structure plays in social behavior, Boston scientists measured people’s amygdalas and social networks, and found the same trend holds true.

Is your social life extra full? A big amygdala may be why - The Boston Globe

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