How the brain learns to read is an evolutionary mystery—a new study offers clues
Reading hasn't been around for long, evolutionary speaking. Instead, the brain recruits systems evolved for other purposes
How the brain learns to read is an evolutionary mystery—a new study offers clues. Reading is a relatively recent development from an evolutionary standpoint, so the brain relies on existing systems adapted for other purposes. These systems help an experienced reader recognize words effortlessly, despite the brain not having evolved a dedicated center for reading.
The study highlights how pre-existing systems are recruited to facilitate reading, which could explain why some individuals find reading easier than others, or how people with hearing impairments or dyslexia learn to read differently. The research uses high-resolution brain scans from the Human Connectome Project to explore the relationship between reading skills and brain structure.
The findings suggest several brain areas contribute to reading skills, with some showing heritable links. The study identifies specific brain regions and their roles in reading abilities, providing insights into how we initially develop reading skills and how they evolve through experience.
Written by urgent.news from Scientific American's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
