First evidence of mirror-like activity found in individual human neurons

In the early 1990s, researchers studying nonhuman primates discovered a population of brain cells they called "mirror neurons." These specialized brain cells fired when the animal performed an action and also when the animal observed another performing that same action. The discovery of mirror neurons seemed to support the idea that we understand the actions of others by internally simulating them in our own minds. But if that were the case, how would anyone be able to imagine doing something they had never done themselves?

How could anyone understand Superman flying, for example, when no human has ever been able to fly? First evidence of mirror-like activity found in individual human neurons. First evidence of mirror-like activity found in individual human neurons by California Institute of Technology edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Robert Egan Sadie Harley Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Robert Egan Senior Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies.

Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source Graphical abstract. A new study by Caltech researchers finds the first evidence for mirror-like behavior in individual human neurons and suggests that "mirroring" is context dependent and more intricate than previously believed. The scientists found evidence for mirror activity only in a higher-level brain region that encodes planning, and intention is critical—mirror activity does not happen automatically and can be suppressed depending on the task at hand.