Discovery of Human 'Third Eye' Reveals Evolutionary Insights and Functions
Scientists discover a third eye hidden in the human body and the reason it's there

Image: Mail Online
Researchers from the UK and Sweden have identified a 'third eye' in the human body, known as the pineal gland, which plays a crucial role in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms. This ancient organ, a remnant from our non-vertebrate ancestors, produces melatonin and helps synchronize bodily functions despite no longer sensing light directly.
- 01The third eye, or pineal gland, is a remnant of an ancient organ that helped early ancestors sense light and regulate sleep.
- 02This gland produces melatonin, a hormone essential for maintaining circadian rhythms and influencing various physiological processes.
- 03The study, led by Professor Thomas Baden, suggests that the retina and pineal gland share a common evolutionary origin.
- 04Some species, like the tuatara, still possess a functional third eye that helps regulate their daily behaviors.
- 05Cultural beliefs link the human third eye to supernatural abilities, particularly in Hindu traditions.
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A recent study published in *Current Biology* reveals that humans possess a 'third eye' known as the pineal gland, which is a remnant of an ancient organ that played a significant role in the lives of early non-vertebrate ancestors. Researchers from the University of Sussex and other institutions found that this gland, located in the middle of the human brain, no longer functions as a visual organ but is crucial for regulating sleep through the production of melatonin. This hormone helps synchronize circadian rhythms, influencing sleep patterns and various physiological processes such as reproductive health and immune function. The research indicates that the pineal gland and the retina share a common evolutionary origin, with early ancestors losing their side eyes and relying on this central structure for light detection. While some species still have a visible third eye, the human version has been linked to cultural beliefs surrounding intuition and spiritual insight, particularly in Hindu practices related to the 'Ajna chakra.'
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