86 Billion Neurons Make Up the Human Brain
New research reveals that each individual human brain is made up of 86 billion neurons - far more than previously thought - which form our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Dec. 29, 2022 5:43AM
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A photo illustration showing billions of interconnected neurons forming a complex network inside the human brain
Scientists have long been fascinated by the human brain and its ability to think, remember, and reason. But now, new research has revealed an even more remarkable fact – that each individual brain is made up of 86 billion neurons. These neurons are not only responsible for processing information and creating memories; they also form a person’s identity. In other words, no single neuron is you, but together they make up who you are. As one scientist put it: “You are y’all.” The discovery was made possible by advances in technology which allowed researchers to count the number of neurons in a human brain with unprecedented accuracy. The team behind the study used high-resolution imaging techniques to map out individual neurons and then used computer algorithms to count them all up. The result was an astonishing 86 billion neurons – far more than previously thought. The implications of this discovery are huge; it means that scientists can now begin to understand how these billions of cells interact with each other to create our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It could also lead to breakthroughs in treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, understanding how these neurons work together could help us better understand ourselves as individuals – why we think the way we do or why we act in certain ways under different circumstances. Ultimately, this research provides us with a glimpse into the incredible complexity of our brains and gives us a better appreciation for what makes us unique as individuals. We may be made up of billions of tiny cells but together they form something truly remarkable – “you are y’all."