Brain Scans Reveal a Surprise About Neanderthal Intelligence

New brain-scan research suggests Neanderthal brain differences were no greater than variation seen within modern human populations.

The finding challenges the long-held idea that Neanderthals were cognitively inferior to Homo sapiens.

Researchers say regional brain-volume differences among modern humans in the US and China exceeded the gap between modern humans and Neanderthals.

The study supports a more nuanced view of Neanderthal intelligence and the reasons for their extinction.