This is your brain on karaoke

Here is another great news story that you may have missed. At least if you are not part of the "in" crowd for karaoke brain research.

Researchers asked subject to sing karaoke while being recorded. The researchers then had them watch the films and hear themselves sing. Meanwhile, the researchers monitored the subjects for signs of embarrassment.
The more damage participants had in the area of the front part of the brain called the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, the less mortified they were about their singing.

Interesting. People get embarrassed when they sing karaoke? Never happened to me!

A week earlier, I had stumbled upon another article about the anterior cingulate cortex. I understand Time magazine will be doing a feature story on the ACC, since it is rapidly becoming the most popular brain structure.

This other article summarized a research paper where they quizzed a group of volunteers concerning their political leanings, and then did a little brain imaging. Here is where they talk about our favorite part of the brain:

Liberals are linked to larger anterior cingulate cortexes, a region that "monitor(s) uncertainty and conflicts," it said.

"Thus, it is conceivable that individuals with a larger ACC have a higher capacity to tolerate uncertainty and conflicts, allowing them to accept more liberal views."

I am trying to put this all together now... People with damage to the ACC aren't embarrassed by singing karaoke... People with a smaller ACC tend to be more conservative... Ummm... Here is my conclusion -

Avoid inviting Republicans who are poor singers to your next karaoke party.