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brain evolution

·November 24, 2017·4 min read

Small But Distinct Differences Among Species Mark Evolution of Human Brain

Yale researchers report the human brain contains some distinct patterns that mark our evolution and could contribute to our cognitive abilities.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 10, 2017·4 min read

Decoding Brain Evolution

A new center headed by neurobiologists at Harvard is looking to unravel some long standing mysteries of the human brain. Researchers, backed by a $10 million grant, hope to shed light on brain development, evolution and human behavior. The funding will allow researchers to use ancient DNA to track frequency of genetic changes and provide a better understanding of the nature of human adaptation.

Diagram of the human subventricular zone in the brain.

Featured Genetics

·September 24, 2015·6 min read

Stem Cell Findings May Explain How the Human Brain Evolved

Researchers map the genes of a unique group of neural stem cells that appear to generate most of the neurons in the cerebral cortex.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 28, 2013·2 min read

Snakes on the Brain: Are Primates Hard-Wired to See Snakes?

Researchers discover specific neurons in the brains of rhesus macaque monkeys respond to images of snakes.

This image shows a Barbary macaque skull and brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 8, 2013·3 min read

Primate Brain Development Follows a Predictable Pattern

Researchers find the differences in primate brains can be explained as a consequence of the same genetic program.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 7, 2013·2 min read

What Evolved First: A Dexterous Hand or an Agile Foot?

A new study indicates early hominids developed dexterity and the ability to use tools before the development of bipedal locomotion.

This is a picture of two adult zebra finches.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 2, 2013·3 min read

Brain and Song Structure in Zebra Finches Strongly Influenced by Environment

Variations in brain and song structure in zebra finches is strongly influenced by environment, a new study suggests.

The image shows the revised map of the bird brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 17, 2013·5 min read

Ten-Year Project Redraws the Map of Bird Brains

A ten year study results in remapping of bird brains.

the image shows different fmri scans of the cerebral cortex.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 22, 2013·2 min read

Has Evolution Given Humans Unique Brain Structures?

Comparing fMRI scans of human brains and those of rhesus monkeys, researchers believe they have new evidence which proves humans have unique cortical brain networks.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 19, 2012·4 min read

Human Brains Share a Consistent Genetic Blueprint and Possess Enormous Biochemical Complexity

Scientists at the Allen Institute for Brain Science reported that human brains share a consistent genetic blueprint and possess enormous biochemical complexity. The findings stem from the first deep and large-scale analysis of the vast data set publicly available in the Allen Human Brain Atlas.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·July 26, 2012·2 min read

Ion Selectivity in Neuronal Signaling Channels Evolved Twice in Animals

Scientists have now revealed that voltage-gated sodium channels, which are responsible for neuronal signaling in the nerves of animals, evolved twice in higher and lower animals.