Scientists find the stem cells that drive our creativity

A newly-discovered type of stem cell could be the key to higher thinking in humans, research suggests.

Scientists have identified a family of stem cells that may give birth to neurons responsible for abstract thought and creativity.

The cells were found in embryonic mice, where they formed the upper layers of the brain’s cerebral cortex.

In humans, the same brain region allows abstract thinking, planning for the future and solving problems.

Previously it was thought that all cortical neurons - upper and lower layers - arose from the same stem cells, called radial glial cells (RGCs).

The new research shows that the upper layer neurons develop from a distinct population of diverse stem cells.