For the first time, scientists have discovered that smart people have bigger brain cells than their peers. As well as being bulkier, the cells are better connected to their neighbours, allowing them to process more information at a faster rate. If results of the study are confirmed, it could help researchers find a way to enhance our intelligence. Smart people have bigger brain cells that are better connected than those of less intelligent people, say scientists. A study, led by Natalia Goriounova at the Free University Amsterdam, gave an IQ test to 35 people who were due to undergo brain surgery, according to report in New Scientist.

For the first time, IQ has been linked to neuron size and performance. What makes some people smarter than others? It could come down to your individual brain cells – the bigger and faster your neurons, the higher your IQ. If confirmed, the finding could lead to new ways to enhance human intelligence. Most intelligence research to date has identified brain regions involved in certain skills, or pinpointed hundreds of genes that each play a tiny role in determining IQ. To continue reading this premium article, subscribe for unlimited access.