Brain Cells Used for Seeing and Imagining Linked in Groundbreaking Study

Research reveals our minds reuse neural patterns when recalling memories or visualizing concepts.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:43am

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An abstract, highly structured painting in soft, earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular forms, and precise botanical or physical spirals, conceptually representing the overlapping neural patterns involved in visual perception and mental imagery.Groundbreaking research reveals our brains use the same neural networks for both seeing and imagining, blurring the line between reality and the inner workings of the mind.Los Angeles Today

A new study from Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University has uncovered that the human brain uses approximately 40% of the same neurons in the ventral temporal cortex for both visual perception and mental imagery. This suggests our minds rely on a shared neural code to process what we see and what we imagine, blurring the line between reality and the inner workings of the brain.

Why it matters

This discovery provides a biological basis for why memories and imaginative experiences can feel so vivid and real. It also offers insights into the mechanisms behind conditions like PTSD, where intrusive thoughts and unwanted mental images are a common symptom. Understanding the cellular underpinnings of these phenomena could lead to more effective therapies.

The details

By analyzing the firing patterns of neurons, researchers were able to accurately reconstruct the images that study participants were recalling, suggesting a repeatable neural code that the brain uses to communicate visual information. This finding raises deeper questions about the nature of consciousness and how our brains construct our perceived reality.

  • The study was conducted in 2026 by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University in Los Angeles, California.

The players

Dr. Ueli Rutishauser

The lead researcher on the study, who is a neuroscientist at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University.

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What they’re saying

“This research highlights the incredible complexity and mystery of the human brain. It reminds us that our minds are capable of so much more than we often give them credit for.”

— Dr. Ueli Rutishauser, Neuroscientist, Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University

The takeaway

This groundbreaking study on the shared neural basis of visual perception and mental imagery opens up new frontiers for understanding the workings of the human mind. By decoding the brain's biological language, researchers may unlock the secrets to enhancing our creative potential and managing mental health conditions in more targeted ways.