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Updated: Feb 2, 2026
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Correlative Microscopy for 3D Structural Analysis of Dynamic Interactions
Published on: June 24, 2013
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The brain-structural correlates of mathematical expertise
Tudor Popescu1, Elie Sader1, Marie Schaer2
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Wellcome Integrative Neuroscience Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Summary
Mathematical expertise is linked to specific brain structure changes, particularly in grey matter density. These findings highlight the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Experience-dependent plasticity causes functional and anatomical brain changes.
- The impact of expertise on brain structure, especially in mathematicians, is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify cognitive and brain structural (grey and white matter) differences between mathematicians and non-mathematicians.
- To explore the relationship between mathematical expertise and brain metrics.
Main Methods:
- Structural and diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans were performed on mathematicians and non-mathematician academics.
- Participants completed a cognitive test battery assessing working memory, attention, IQ, numerical, and social skills.
Main Results:
- Mathematical expertise correlated with enhanced performance in domain-general and specific cognitive tasks.
- Grey matter density differences were observed in specific brain regions, including the superior frontal gyrus, superior parietal lobule, intraparietal sulcus, and inferior frontal gyrus.
- No significant differences in white matter integrity (fractional anisotropy or mean diffusivity) were found between groups.
Conclusions:
- Mathematical expertise is associated with distinct grey matter structural characteristics in brain regions relevant to numerical cognition and other cognitive functions.
- These findings suggest a link between experience, cognitive abilities, and brain structure, warranting further longitudinal investigation.
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