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Is the brain of a genius heavier than an average brain?

Charlotte Hepplewhite, Basingstoke

Possibly, yes, but size alone cannot explain why some of us are regarded as geniuses. Some large-brained animals such as dolphins and whales are very intelligent, but so are crows with their tiny brains.

The brains of geniuses such as Albert Einstein have been measured, but no relationship with size or weight was found. One study revealed that Einstein had more glial cells than average. These support and protect neurons, suggesting that his brain demanded more energy.

Other studies show that geniuses have more long-range neural connections that reach from one area of the brain to the other. Yet no single feature explains their exceptional abilities. Persistence, hard work and determination may be just as important, and they do not require an especially heavy brain.

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