Brain

Brain
File:Brain.JPG
First reference:	Don't Look Back
"Brain" on Wikipedia

According to research by Dr. Chandra Suresh, a particular mutation in the brain has caused some people to develop superhuman powers. Additionally, Sylar has targeted evolved humans with the intent of removing their brains.

About

Don't Look Back

James Walker is found in his house with his brain removed; he appears to have died before the brain was removed.

In an alternate future, Hiro Nakamura happens upon Isaac Mendez's dead body; the painter's brain has been removed.

One Giant Leap

While searching Sylar's apartment, Eden McCain and Mohinder Suresh find disturbing medical texts outlining how to expose the brain.

Collision

Brody Mitchum accidentally knocks Claire Bennet in such a way that a tree branch becomes lodged in her brain. She appears dead until the medical examiner removes the branch from her brain. With the branch removed, her power rapidly restores her to health.

At a secret medical facility, Matt Parkman is held captive by Mr. Bennet and a mysterious man. His brain is hooked up to monitors. As Matt attempts to read the minds of his captors, the monitors show increased brain activity.

Seven Minutes to Midnight

While perusing his father's research in Sanjog's file, Mohinder comes across an article proclaiming that scientists have found new areas in the brain. The article states that the researchers used DCX imaging to determine that "we all have an area in our brains that functions independently of the other areas".

At the Burnt Toast Diner, Charlie Andrews's head is sliced open, killing her.

Homecoming

At Union Wells High School, Sylar attacks Jackie Wilcox; he attempts to get to her brain, but is interrupted.

Mr. Bennet shows Eden several pictures of Sylar's victims, their brains removed.

Six Months Ago

Dr. Suresh meets with Gabriel Gray and performs tests on his brain. He explains to his subject that the special abilities of evolved humans come from a particular structure of the brain. He also tells Gray that the brain controls every action. Quoting his book, the doctor says that if there's a soul, it's in the brain. Later, in his watch shop, Gabriel realizes how Brian Davis's power of telekinesis originates in the brain. He claims that Davis has a "defect" that he can fix. Gabriel is then compelled to bludgeon Davis over the head.

Charlie reveals to Hiro that she has an blood clot in her brain.

Fallout

In Sylar's cell, Eden finds herself in Sylar's clutches. Upon his threat to steal her power, Eden quickly decides to shoot herself. She aims for her head, effectively destroying her brain.

Notes

• While in training and observation at an Alaskan facility owned by the Agency Without Initials, Hana Gitelman undergoes many tests. Her brain is examined in an MRI machine. (Wireless, Part 2)
• The serial killer Sylar has removed the brains of many of his victims. There is a high correlation between victims of brain removal and Dr. Suresh's list of evolved humans. Known victims include Charlie Andrews and James Walker; Brian Davis was murdered by Sylar, but his brain removal is not absolutely confirmed. During a brief visit to the future, Hiro Nakamura saw the body of Isaac Mendez with its brain removed. Sylar mistook Jackie Wilcox for an evolved human and murdered her but turned his attention to Claire Bennet before removing Jackie's brain.
• Based on Dr. Suresh's theories, the wide range of special abilities that evolved humans have demonstrated all originate in the brain, even those that would logically seem to be unrelated to brain development, such as enhanced strength and rapid cell regeneration.
• The fact that Jessica Sanders demonstrates a power while Niki Sanders does not supports Dr. Suresh's "brain origin" theory. Since the two personalities appear to share the same body, the disparity is only plausible if Jessica's strength originates in the brain, not the muscles, and Niki is unable to access the part of the brain responsible.

Gallery

• Hana's brain is tested in an MRI machine at the Alaskan facility. (Wireless, Part 2)
  Hana's brain is tested in an MRI machine at the Alaskan facility.
  (Wireless, Part 2)
• 
  Sylar's apartment contains medical texts with exposed brains.
  (One Giant Leap)
• 
  Claire returns to life when an object lodged in her brain is removed.
  (One Giant Leap)
• 
  Matt's brainwaves fluctuate wildly when he reads minds.
  (Collision)
• 
  Sanjog's file contains research about new areas of the brain.
  (Seven Minutes to Midnight)
• 
  Chandra tests Gabriel Gray's brain.
  (Six Months Ago)
• 
  Eden shoots herself in her brain so Sylar cannot take her power.
  (Fallout)

See Also

For more information on Sylar's propensity for removing brains, see brain removal.

For more information about the research in Chandra Suresh's book, see Activating Evolution.