Speak Up! Talking Takes Both Sides of the Brain

Most of us aren't thinking about what our brain is doing during a conversation. Yet a recent study shows that whatever we're saying or doing, it takes two sides to tango. In other words, both hemispheres of this organ are actively working during speech. 

Researchers at New York University said that they hoped to challenge the mainstream neurology theory that speech and language are "lateralized"-meaning that only one side of the brain controls these actions. In this case, it was believed to be just the left side.

For the study, researchers worked with 16 volunteers who had electrodes implanted to map out their brain activity via a technique known as electrocorticogram. This is typically used as a precursor for surgery in extreme epilepsy patients.

All of the volunteers were asked to repeat such words as "pob" and "kig" in order to better isolate brain areas activated for speech pronunciation.

As the words had no meaning, a different part of the brain was used to generate them than areas that are specifically used for language.

Scans showed "bilateralized" use of the brain.

"Our findings upend what has been universally accepted," associate professor Bijan Pesaran said, via a news release. "We can begin to develop new ways to aid those trying to regain the ability to speak after a stroke or injuries resulting in brain damage. With this greater understanding of the speech process, we can retool rehabilitation methods in ways that isolate speech recovery and don't involve language."

This research may be particularly promising as it could help provide new treatments for those who have suffered from a stroke. 

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal Nature.