For some reason, despite all the body scan data that we can now obtain and process, I never see anything in the headlines about how cranial scan data is giving rise to new scientific knowledge about cognition, vision, hearing, human development over time, voice resonance, and so on. I know the Nazis did some measuring of the cranium along with other truly objectionable experiments, but that's no reason now, 80 years later, to totally ignore the semi-solid case our brain sits inside! There's nothing immoral or wrong about measuring skull dimensions. There are three directions of inquiry I am most curious about:
1) skull structure and vocal characteristics
I am a singer and have been since elementary school. Without intending to, I sound a lot like my mother when she sings. I'm sure it's because of underlying bone similarities that I inherited from her. I'd love to see more research published in this area.
2) heritable adaptations
When I look at skull and feature characteristics from around the world, I no longer find the "out of Africa" origin theory for all humanity quite so compelling. Some traits seem like they could have arisen in response to environmental stimuli and then persisted independently in a way that is not fully explained by "survival of the species." (Hooded eyes among Scandinavians are one example.) Darwin would be the first to insist on utilizing new data collection methods to expand upon his theory.
3) cognition variation, especially onset and severity of dementia
With Alzheimer's becoming such a pressing public issue of concern, we should be looking at the issue of cognitive impairment from every available angle. If there is something we can modify in the skull that will lessen or delay dementia, we should be investigating that possibility with great energy.
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