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IPFS News Link • Science, Medicine and Technology

GPS of the mind: Scientists discover new distance-detecting 'Vector Trace' brain cells

• https://www.studyfinds.org, John Anderer

 It turns out, we also have an odometer in our brain too. Researchers from Durham University in England say they've discovered a new "distance sensitive" brain cell. Their study finds these cells take note of how we far travel during trips and can record the locations of pertinent objects and landmarks along the way.

Some people are far better at directions and finding their way than others, but everyone's brain contains a number of "GPS-like" brain cells responsible for mapping out places we've already seen in the mind's eye. These cells, for example, remember your office's break room layout or your favorite route to take back from the mall. The existence of these cells isn't breaking news, but these newly discovered Vector Trace cells are adding an entirely new chapter to what we know about the mind and direction.


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