New paper with Aida Gómez-Robles: “Why did the human brain size evolve: a way forward”. We propose that this seemingly unanswerable question can be tackled with simulation-based inference. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2024.0114

#brain #evolution #evodevo #math #maths #spandrel #cognition

We also discuss how this approach finds that the human brain size may surprisingly be a “spandrel” (byproduct), and empirical evidence supporting this.

The paper also discusses how our understanding of evolution by selection is affected by an explicit consideration of development.

Many thanks to Elli Leadbeater and Alex Thornton for putting together the special issue that the paper is part of. Very much looking forward to diving into the other papers!

https://royalsocietypublishing.org/toc/rstb/2025/380/1929

The Prince of Wales Bridge in Kelvingrove Park in the West End of Glasgow. Built in 1894, it's named after Queen Victoria's eldest son, Prince Albert, who'd later go on to become King Edward VII. This bridge has some rather wonderfully carved versions of the city's coat of arms on it spandrels, which are only really visible from the river's edge.

#glasgow #architecture #bridge #kelvingrovepark #spandrel #glasgowcoatofarms #riverkelvin #architecturephotography

Architectural term of the day: Spandrel.

A spandrel is triangular a space created where two arches meet. This leaves a blank space which is just crying out to be decorated, and spandrels are often filled with the most ornate features to be found on a building. This example is from the Ca d'Oro building in Glasgow.

#glasgow #architecture #architecturalterms #buildings #spandrels #spandrel #cadoro