fMRI reveals a shared 'number line' in the brain for integers and fractions

Researchers at INSERM-CEA found that the brain maps whole numbers and fractions onto a shared 'number line' in the anterior inferior parietal cortex. In the study, 20 adults compared values while fMRI showed activity patterns ordered by magnitude.

• The study involved 20 adults comparing whole numbers and fractions
• Activity in the anterior inferior parietal cortex is ordered by numerical magnitude
• Fractions and integers share one system rather than separate maps
• Findings were published in PLOS Biology on October 22