A new study helps explain how the brain creates mental images

NPR | By Jon Hamilton

Published April 9, 2026 at 4:54 PM EDT

A new study finds that looking at something and imagining it triggers the same exact process in the brain. It's also very similar to the process artificial intelligence uses to create an image.

Jon Hamilton

Jon Hamilton is a correspondent for NPR's Science Desk. Currently he focuses on neuroscience and health risks.

See stories by Jon Hamilton

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