| Sumario: | The article looks at research on von Economo neurons, brain cells which are suspected to help humans and certain animals stay aware of aspects of social interaction. Von Economo neurons, found only within the anterior cingulate cortex and the frontal insula, are compared to other brain cells. The author suspects that the frontal insula has an important role in generating and regulating social emotions such as love, guilt, humor, empathy, and trust. Animals which possess these neurons include elephants and species of great apes. It is noted that these neurons are named after anatomist Constantin von Economo, who first discussed them in 1926.
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