Scientists discover taste-sensing "sweet spot" of human brainMarch 15, 2019 - 12:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Researchers long ago mapped sight, hearing and other human sensory systems in the brain. But for taste, which could be considered humans' most pleasurable sense, precisely where the "gustatory" cortex is and how it works has been a mystery, Science Daily reports. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a new method of statistical analysis, researchers have discovered the taste center in the human brain by uncovering which parts of the brain distinguish different types of tastes. "We have known that tastes activate the human brain for some time, but not where primary taste types such as sweet, sour, salty and bitter are distinguished," said Adam Anderson, professor of human development at Cornell University and senior author of the study, published in Nature Communications. "By using some new techniques that analyze fine-grained activity patterns, we found a specific portion of the insular cortex -- an older cortex in the brain hidden behind the neocortex -- represents distinct tastes," Anderson said. The insular cortex, which separates the frontal and temporal lobes, has long been thought to be the primary sensory area for taste. It also plays a role in other important functions, including visceral and emotional experience. "The insular cortex represents experiences from inside our bodies," Anderson said. "So taste is a bit like perceiving our own bodies, which is very different from other external senses such as sight, touch, hearing or smell." Previous work has shown a nearby insular region processes information originating from inside the body -- from the heart and lungs, for example. In this way, distinct tastes and their associated pleasures may reflect the needs of our body. Taste not only reflects what is on our tongue but also our body's need for specific nutrients, Anderson said. The researchers found evidence that could be considered the "sweet" spot in the insula -- a specific area where a large ensemble of neurons respond to sweetness stimulation on the tongue. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |