Doesn’t Size Always Matter? And Yes, Our Brains are Shrinking!Research reveals that our brains are actually getting smaller, which may explain the cur
Research reveals that our brains are actually getting smaller, which may explain the current fascination with shows like the Jersey Shore and Bridalplasty. Anthropologist John Hawkes’ recent research contends that the human brain is shrinking in size and has been getting smaller for the past 20,000 years.
Wait—wha
t about the invention of the iPod, DVRs and stem cell research? You need smart people with “big brains” to create those inventions, right? According to Duke University anthropologist, Brian Hare, brain size doesn’t matter to how it relates to intelligence, but it does impact overall compassion.
From a study on apes, Hare found that the less aggressive primates were more cooperative and tolerant than those with larger brains, leading researchers to believe that our evolutionary “shrinkage” would produce a more harmonious society.
So this means we are all just starting to “get along?” Rodney King would be thrilled. However, let’s be sure that Congress hears about this study as they begin the next session. Need a lesson on getting along?
Source: NPR, Photo Credit: Wikimedia