Brain activity predicts second language learning skills

Tan and coworkers used functional MRI to study second language learning skills in children with repeat testing one year apart for each subject. They found that the activity level of the left caudate and fusiform regions served as important neurobiological markers for predicting accomplishment in reading in second language learning.

Tan LH et al.: Activity levels in the left hemisphere caudate-fusiform circuit predict how well a second language will be learned. PNAS [Epub ahead of print, Jan 24, 2011] doi:10.1073/pnas.0909623108

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21262807