Where does creativity come from? The question has vexed artists for millennia—but an MRI-based experiment may be giving scientists a lead in tracking down the source of inspiration.
A team led by neuroscientist Rex Jung of the University of New Mexico collected data in college-age individuals using diffusion tensor imaging. Jung's team examined volunteers to assess creativity through various tests and questions.
Two statisticians, David Dunson of Duke University and Daniele Durante of the University of Padova, then used this data to analyze the white matter connections in 68 separate sections of the brain.
When comparing those in the top 15 percent in terms of creativity with those in the bottom 15 percent, the researchers found the high-scoring people had more connections between right and left hemispheres. The differences were most pronounced in the frontal lobe.
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Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.