MRI scans reveal key differences in the gray matter of homicide offenders' brains

A study mapping the brains of violent criminals is giving researchers new insight into the minds of murderers which experts say may help predict violent behavior. In a study published in Brain Imaging and Behavior, researchers say they have observed substantial differences in the physical characteristics of homicidal criminals versus their violent counterparts. According to research, which assessed the brains of 808 incarcerated males using MRI scans, two regions of the brain in particular showed the biggest difference. MRI scans of criminals reveal key difference in the brains of murders and their less violent counterparts. Homicide offenders' show reduced gray matter in brain areas critical for behavioral control and social cognition compared with other violent and non-violent offenders.