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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

A Modified Mirror Test as a Visual Guide for the Self-awareness Trait in Wild Antarctica Penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae
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What we know currently about mirror neurons.

J M Kilner1, R N Lemon

  • 1Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK, WC1N 3BG.

Current Biology : CB
|December 7, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Mirror neurons, discovered in macaque monkeys, are reviewed to clarify their functions beyond the hype. This research separates established facts from speculation about these intriguing brain cells.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Primate Cognition
  • Motor Control

Background:

  • Mirror neurons identified in macaque monkey ventral premotor cortex (F5) over 20 years ago.
  • Extensive literature and popular press coverage propose diverse functions for mirror neurons.
  • Labeled as potentially
  • the most hyped concept in neuroscience
  • due to widespread speculation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically review the current knowledge on mirror neurons.
  • To distinguish established findings from hyperbolic claims.
  • To provide a balanced perspective on mirror neuron functions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications on mirror neurons.

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  • Analysis of popular press articles discussing mirror neurons.
  • Synthesis of existing data to assess proposed functions.

    • Main Results:

    • Significant body of research exists on mirror neurons.
    • Many proposed functions lack definitive empirical support.
    • Distinguishing established roles from speculative ones is challenging.

    Conclusions:

    • Mirror neurons are a significant finding in neuroscience.
    • Further rigorous research is needed to validate proposed functions.
    • A clear understanding of mirror neuron roles requires separating evidence from speculation.