Einstein’s brain images unveil secrets of his extreme intelligence

Albert Einstein, born on 14 March 1879, a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the general theory of relativity, effecting a revolution in physics is often regarded as the father of modern physics and the most influential physicist of the 20th century.

Upon his death in 18 April 1955, at the age of 76,  Albert Einstein’s brain was removed, fixed and photographed from multiple angles. It was then, sectioned into 240 blocks, and histological slides were prepared.

The researchers compared 14 pictures of Einstein’s brain to 85 brain scans from “normal” people and the findings were published on Nov 16 in the journal Brain.

According to the study led by Florida State University- evolutionary anthropologist Dean Falk, “portions of Einstein’s brain have been found to be unlike those of most people and could be related to his extraordinary cognitive abilities.”

He also adds, “Although the overall size and asymmetrical shape of Einstein’s brain were normal, the prefrontal, somatosensory, primary motor, parietal, temporal and occipital cortices were extraordinary. These may have provided the neurological underpinnings for some of his visuospatial and mathematical abilities, for instance.”

Its time to see the revolution in neuroscience now ! Falk hopes to compare Einstein’s brain with that of other gifted people and explore more! Lets wait to hear more soon. Read more on the Oxford journal.