Reading Strengthens Key Brain Regions for Language and Empathy
New research reveals that reading ability is linked to distinct brain structures, particularly in the left anterior temporal lobe and Heschl’s gyrus.
These regions are crucial for integrating word meanings and processing phonological awareness, both of which are key to reading.
The study shows that better readers tend to have larger or thicker areas in these regions, indicating their role in language and sound processing.
Importantly, the brain is malleable, meaning reading can actively shape these structures over time.
As fewer people read for leisure, the potential societal and cognitive impacts of declining reading habits are concerning.
Reading not only enhances individual cognition but also supports collective empathy and understanding.
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14 comments:
I read every day., for pleasure, for comfort and for education.
Does reading blog comments count?
I can't imagine NOT reading, because I always learn something. Like what "Heschl's Gyrus" is.
Depends on the book. Eg "Not even wrong" by Peter Woit is exhausting to read. Ulysses also.
Interesting!
I'm trying to read more books and less internet.
I read quite a bit these days, but I went quite a number of years when I didn't read that much. I just started my 15th book since the beginning of October. I'm not a very fast reader. I just have a lot of time.
I love to read but am often disappointed in modern fiction. Anybody got any great recommendations?
The planum temporale is the cortical area just posterior to the auditory cortex (Heschl's gyrus) within the Sylvian fissure. It is a triangular region which forms the heart of Wernicke's area.
Sometimes I can't get past the first couple of pages.
Yes it is!
If I read less internet, I would be working on home repairs. I read a LOT of internet.
I think everyone commenting here except me would have good suggestions.
My mind drifts when I read. I wind up reading the same page over again. Unless it's science or medical stuff.
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