Mimic His Moves

A special neuron is responsible for a form of social intelligence. In a group, it allows humans to mimic and follow the physical and sometimes emotional actions of others.

By Ker Than, published on July 01, 2005 - last reviewed on June 04, 2007

Buried deep inside your skull are special brain cells that read the minds of others and know their intentions.

Dubbed mirror neurons, these cells fire in response to the "reflection" of another person. Whether you lift your coffee cup or watch your coworker lift his, the neurons respond to both actions as if they were the same. Neuroscientists believe these cells are what allow humans—and some primates—to feel empathy and compassion for others.

A study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, links improper function of these tiny cells to a mild form of autism known as Asperger's syndrome. A brain imaging study of 10 autistic boys found their mirror neurons fail to fire in response to the movements of another person.

Autism is a brain disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication skills.