Mmastodon ScienceBiology first seen 1 d ago, last 1 d ago, peak #12
Gene switches, not new genes, drove human brain expansion
Original: The evolutionary expansion of the human neocortex is driven not only by novel genetic sequences but by the unique upregu
Researchers report that the evolutionary expansion of the human neocortex was driven not only by novel genetic sequences but by the upregulation of genes humans share with other species, controlled by specific non-coding genetic switches that change neural stem cell morphology. The finding suggests that ancient genes, redeployed through regulatory changes, played a central role in making the human brain unusually large and folded.
Why now: New research into what genetically distinguishes human brain development is drawing attention in science communities
human neocortexneural stem cellsnon-coding DNA
Evidence
API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/4250323