Trying to get a handle on intelligence

Researchers have discovered that the brains of children mature differently with distinct changes in the cerebellum based on intelligence. Apparently a thinner cerebellum early on is linked with superior intelligence, which you normally wouldn't expect. Meanwhile, there is a thicker cerebellum by age 12, where growth peaks among the those with superior intelligence (as opposed to those of average intelligence, who peak at 8). Then in adolescence the cerebellum thins until by age 19 they're roughly the same regardless of intelligence. What they don't know is if children are smarter because of these changes, or if these changes take place because the child is smarter, how much of this in genetic, and how much may be associated with environmental factors. Still, it's an interesting study.

See the Washington Post article for details.