Âé¶¹´«Ã½

Life

Creativity chemical favours the smart

By Linda Geddes

13 May 2009

Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

High levels of a chemical, which seems to increase creativity in really intelligent people, has the opposite effect in those of average intellect

(Image: Dex Images / Getty)

THERE may be more to creativity than simply letting the ideas flow- brain measurements of a “creativity chemical” are revealing a complex interplay between ingenuity and intelligence. While high levels of the chemical in a certain part of the brain seem to increase creativity in really smart people, the reverse is true in those of average intellect.

N-acetyl-aspartate is found in neurons and seems to be associated with neural health and metabolism.…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with Âé¶¹´«Ã½ events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, today with our introductory offers

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop