ScienceScienceAlertTiny Genetic Tweak From An Ancient Virus Might've Prevented Chimpanzees From Developing Brains Like Ours
A study found an ancient virus that infected chimps but not humans may have switched off a key gene, helping explain why human brains grew so much larger.
Humans and chimpanzees are remarkably similar, despite the major differences in how our societies have panned out.
A new study published in Science Advances found an ancient retrovirus that infected chimpanzees about 4 million years ago may have shaped how our brains differ.
The virus inserted DNA into chimp genomes that switches off a gene called LINC00662, which in humans helps brain cells mature and grow extensions, the researchers found.
The finding helps explain why human brains are roughly three times larger than chimp brains despite our DNA being 98.8 per cent identical.
The study found the virus inserted DNA that switches off a gene called LINC00662 in chimps, which in humans helps brain cells mature and grow, experts say.
Five minutes for you
More from Cuppa
‘Black October’: cybersecurity experts sound the alarm over new era of AI-enabled hackingTrump to exempt some Canadian products from tariffs amid midterm pressureModerna mRNA vaccine almost halves the risk of skin cancer returningA personalised mRNA vaccine cut the risk of melanoma returning by 42% in a major phase III trial, which researchers say is a remarkable result.
Magda Szubanski tells how finding community saved her young lifeMeghan 'distressed' by child sex abuse image allegations against fatherMeghan, Duchess of Sussex, says she is deeply distressed by allegations that child sexual abuse images were found at her estranged father Thomas Markle Sr's former home.
Irish researchers discover how cancers evade chemotherapy by entering ‘zombie-like state’Irish scientists have worked out how some cancer cells dodge chemotherapy by entering a zombie-like dormant state, and they have identified new drugs that could target this weakness.
Halley's Comet dazzles from afar in spectacular astrophoto of Orionid meteor showerAn astrophotographer in Georgia captured a stunning composite image of Orionid meteors, which are actually debris from Halley's Comet.
Israel's election could be a turning point for the entire Middle East