According to a blurb in Scientific American ("Discerning Intent") researchers have discovered so-called mirror neurons that fire the same way whether a person performs an action, or simply sees someone else perform the same action.
They say this might be how we understand the intention behind other people's behavior. I also wonder if it plays a role in the ephemeral (but fascinating) area of intuition. Perhaps those gifted with a keen intuitive sense possess an abundance of, or more finely tuned, mirror neurons?