This study, conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL) and University College London Hospitals (UCLH), offers important insights into the brain areas that enable us to solve problems without prior experience—known as fluid intelligence. Fluid intelligence is a vital aspect of human cognition, involving mental processes like abstraction, judgment, attention, and strategy generation. It plays a key role in daily tasks such as planning, organizing, and decision-making, and is closely linked to success in education, professional life, and overall well-being.

The researchers used a novel approach called “lesion-deficit mapping” to better understand the brain regions responsible for fluid intelligence. Previous studies often relied on functional imaging techniques like fMRI, which measure brain activity but can sometimes provide incomplete or misleading information about specific brain areas. In contrast, lesion-deficit mapping focuses on patients who have suffered damage to particular brain regions, allowing researchers to observe how these injuries affect cognitive abilities. This method provides a clearer link between brain structures and their functions.