The ability to recognize faces is so important in humans that the brain appears to have an area solely devoted to the task: the fusiform gyrus in the temporal lobe, Science Now reports.

Brain imaging studies consistently find that this region of  becomes active when people look at faces. Skeptics have countered, however, that these studies show only a correlation, but not proof, that activity in this area is essential for face recognition.

Now, a new study using electrocorticography, fMRI, and brain stimulation provides the first cause-and-effect evidence that neurons in this area help humans recognize faces — and only faces, not other body parts or objects.