The gene to which we owe our big brain

ARHGAP11B — this complex name is given to a gene that is unique to humans and plays an essential role in the development of the neocortex. The neocortex is the part of the brain to which we owe our high mental abilities. A team of researchers has investigated the importance of ARHGAP11B in neocortex development during human evolution. To do this, the team introduced for the first time a gene that exists only in humans into laboratory-grown brain organoids from our closest living relatives, chimpanzees.

Source: sciencedaily.com

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