New study identifies genes that shape human brain features

New study identifies genes that shape human brain features

What makes the human brain distinctive? A new study published July 21 in Cell identifies two genes linked to human brain features and provides a road map to discover many more.

Researchers Identify Gene Duplications That May Shape the Human Brain

What makes the human brain distinctive? A new study published July 21 in Cell identifies two genes linked to human brain features and provides a road map to discover many more.

Human-Specific Gene Duplications May Hold Clues to Brain Function and Evolution

Data from a new study links a pair of duplicated genes to human brain features. The research provides a roadmap for scientists to gain a deeper understanding of brain function and evolution, as well as the roots of language disorders and conditions like autism spectrum disorders. Full details are available in a Cell paper titled “Human-specific gene expansions contribute to brain evolution.” According to the scientists, the newly characterized g…

Hidden Genes in DNA “Dark Matter” Linked to Human Brain Traits

Researchers have identified two genes from the human genome’s “dark matter” that influence brain size and synaptic signaling. Using the complete human genome and zebrafish models, the team showed how these duplicated genes may contribute to what makes the human brain distinctive.