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brain evolution

·May 12, 2026·8 min read

“Jumping Genes” Shaped the Evolution of the Brain

Researchers discovered that transposable elements (TEs) provided more than 20,000 regulatory binding sites that drive neural development. By acting as genomic couriers for transcription factors like Sox2 and Brn2, these "jumping genes" expanded the complexity of the mammalian brain, offering a new two-phase model of how our neural networks evolved.

This shows an ancient anthropoid with a brain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 9, 2026·7 min read

Brain-First Hypothesis: Rethinking the Cambrian Explosion

The evolution of the brain may have been the primary engine behind the Cambrian Explosion. The "Brain-First Hypothesis" suggests that increasing ecological pressure for sensory processing led to neural regionalization. This neural complexity provided the genetic blueprints that were eventually co-opted to build the diverse and complex body plans seen in arthropods and chordates today.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 17, 2025·8 min read

AI Reveals How Brain Cells Evolved Over 320 Million Years

A new study reveals how AI-driven deep learning models can decode the genetic regulatory switches that define brain cell types across species. By analyzing human, mouse, and chicken brains, researchers found that some brain cell types remain highly conserved over 320 million years, while others have evolved uniquely.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Visual Neuroscience

·October 31, 2022·6 min read

A New Map of the Octopus Visual System Gives Clues to Brain Evolution

A new map of the octopus visual system classifies different types of neurons in a part of the brain dedicated to vision, shedding new light on the evolution of the brain and visual systems in a more broad sense.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 20, 2022·2 min read

Brain Evolution Is Linked to Competition

In a highly competitive environment, Trinidadian killifish grow larger brains. This neuro-evolution allows for greater fitness and survival rates.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 6, 2021·4 min read

The Cerebellum May Have Played an Important Role in the Evolution of the Human Brain

The cerebellum underwent evolutionary changes that may have contributed to the development of language, culture, and tool use in humans, a new study reveals.

Brain scans are shown as described in the caption.

Featured Genetics

·March 4, 2019·2 min read

Genetic Factors Influence Human Brain Expansion

Results provide new insight into evolution, IQ and development of the human brain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·December 13, 2018·4 min read

Neanderthal Gene Gives Clues to Human Brain Evolution

Researchers report modern humans who carry particular Neanderthal DNA fragments have slightly less rounded heads. The findings shed light on the evolution of modern brain shape and function.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 1, 2018·4 min read

Slow But Steady: Shedding Light on Evolution of Turtle Brains

A new study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution reveals turtle brains have evolved slowly, but constantly, over the last 210 million years. The study also reveals the first turtles with fully formed shells were more likely to have lived on land, not in the water.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 12, 2018·4 min read

Mapping Out Genetic ‘Switches’ Behind Human Brain Evolution

Researchers have created a map of gene regulation in human cortical neurogenesis. The study reveals a number of factors that govern brain growth and the development of some brain disorders.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 6, 2017·5 min read

CLOCK Gene May Hold Answers to Human Brain Evolution

UT Southwestern researchers discover a gene implicated in circadian rhythm may also play a vital role in regulating genes important for our brain evolution.