Does multi-tasking separate us from other animals? Region of brain that controls ability to juggle errands is 'uniquely human' The frontal pole prefrontal cortex is not present in other species It is used to multi-task, as well as wonder about the meaning of life The research could help scientists understand psychological conditions There is a section of the brain associated with the ability to multi-task that is uniquely human, according to researchers You may never have heard of it but you couldn't do without it. The frontal pole prefrontal cortex helps makes us human. This Brussels sprout-sized brain region is intimately involved in very human activities from multi-tasking to pondering the 'what ifs' of life. Scans show that there is nothing like it in the brain of the macaque monkey, despite it being one of our closest relatives. Oxford University scientist Matthew Rushworth said: "We've identified an area of the brain that appears to be uniquely human." The researchers used an MRI machine to peer into the part of the brain key to the superior intelligence of primates, including people. Scans from 25 men and women showed that this part of the brain is made up of a dozen smaller sections. The scans were then compared with images of monkey brains. Eleven of the 12 sections in the network were similar - they were found in both humans and monkeys and connected up to other, more distant, brain areas in similar ways. But one area - the lateral frontal pole prefrontal cortex - was missing in the macaques. Differences in the human and monkey brain have been found before. But this is special because it is the first time such a clear change has been spotted in the region behind complex thought and behaviour. The lateral frontal pole prefrontal cortex is found at the very front of the brain - with one just above each eyebrow. The frontal pole prefrontal cortex is involved in very human activities from multi-tasking (pictured) to pondering the 'what ifs' of life. Scans show that there is nothing like it in the brain of the macaque monkey, despite it being one of our closest relatives In some people, it is the size of a Brussels sprout, in others, it is as big as a tangerine. Previous research has shown it is particularly important in multi-tasking, as well as planning, decision making and mulling over "what ifs." For instance, if we decide to do one thing, it will continue to evaluate the other option - or think about what might have been. While this might seem odd, it is good preparation for a later change of mind. The tiny brain region also helps us learn from watching others" mistakes, speeding up the acquisition of new skills. The study, published in the journal Neuron also revealed the people to have stronger wiring to brain regions involved in hearing - perhaps helping explain our ability to speak. Such work could help shed light on psychiatric conditions including ADHD and obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as improve understanding of how speech is damaged by a stroke.