Bigger Not Necessarily Better, When It Comes to Brains

November 18, 2009 | Source: Science Daily

Tiny insects could be as intelligent as much bigger animals, despite only having a brain the size of a pinhead, say scientists at Queen Mary, University of London.

Research repeatedly shows how insects are capable of some intelligent behaviors scientists previously thought was unique to larger animals.

This must mean that much “advanced” thinking can actually be done with very limited neuron numbers. Computer modelling shows that even consciousness can be generated with very small neural circuits, which could in theory easily fit into an insect brain.

In fact, the models suggest that counting could be achieved with only a few hundred nerve cells and only a few thousand could be enough to generate consciousness. Engineers hope that this kind of research will lead to smarter computing with the ability to recognize human facial expressions and emotions.