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Updated: Nov 25, 2025

Microdissection of Mouse Brain into Functionally and Anatomically Different Regions
Published on: February 15, 2021
Comprehension of computer code relies primarily on domain-general executive brain regions
Anna A Ivanova1,2, Shashank Srikant3, Yotaro Sueoka1,2
1Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.
The multiple demand (MD) system, not the language system, supports computer programming skills. This brain system is activated by both text-based and graphical coding, highlighting its role in novel cognitive tool use.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive neuroscience
- Neuroscience of programming
Background:
- Computer programming is a transformative cognitive tool.
- Understanding the neural basis of programming skills is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying computer programming.
- Examine the roles of the multiple demand (MD) system and the language system in programming.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used.
- Responses to Python and ScratchJr code were contrasted with sentence problems.
- MD and language system activations were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The MD system showed strong bilateral responses to both Python and ScratchJr code.
- The language system responded strongly to sentences but weakly to code.
- This pattern held across both programming languages.
Conclusions:
- The MD system, not the language system, underpins computer programming.
- The MD system supports novel cognitive tools regardless of linguistic input similarity.
- This provides insight into the neural basis of computational thinking.
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