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Lost in the Maze? Why Some People Navigate Like Pros While Others Rely on GPS
Unraveling the mysteries of sense of direction: science, sex differences, and how to train your inner compass
Why Do Some People Never Get Lost?
You know the type. They confidently take shortcuts through labyrinthine cities, find hidden trails in dense forests, and never break a sweat when their GPS dies. Then there’s the rest of us — turning maps upside down, retracing steps, and hoping for a Wi-Fi signal.
What separates natural navigators from the perpetually lost? The answer lies in biology, psychology, and even geography. Whether you’re aiming to improve your sense of direction or simply curious about how others do it, let’s explore what makes some people human compasses — and how you can train yourself to join their ranks.
The Brain’s GPS: Meet Your Hippocampus
At the heart of your sense of direction lies the hippocampus, a small, seahorse-shaped structure buried deep in the brain. This region processes spatial memory, helping you form “cognitive maps” that allow you to navigate your surroundings.
- Size Matters: Research has shown that a larger hippocampus…
