Evidence for ancient magnetic sense in humans
A new study reveals the human brain responds to changes in the Earth's magnetic field. Future studies could provide clues into the evolution and variations of magnetoreception in humans.... Read More...
evolution
Scientists Find Worms that Recently Evolved the Ability to Regrow a Complete Head
At least four species of marine ribbon worms independently evolved the ability to regrow a head after amputation.... Read More...
Discovery of the Genetics Conductor of Brain Stem Cells
Researchers describe their findings about how the Foxg1 gene is involved in the development and differentiation of neurons and glial cells from stem cells.... Read More...
Genetic Factors Influence Human Brain Expansion
Results provide new insight into evolution, IQ and development of the human brain.... Read More...
Findings Shed Light on Origin of Upright Walking in Human Ancestors
Researchers say the 4.5 million-year old fossil shows evidence of greater reliance on bipedalism than previously suggested.... Read More...
Uncovering the Evolution of the Brain
Researchers have developed a new technique to study the development of human neurons compared to the neurons of nonhuman primates. The findings shed new light on the evolution of the human brain.... Read More...
Lessons Learned From the Adult Neurogenesis Debate
A new paper looks at the controversies surrounding adult neurogenesis.... Read More...
All Too Human: The Price We Pay for Our Advanced Brains May Be a Greater Tendency to Disorders
Researchers report the neural code of the prefrontal cortex is more efficient than the amygdala in both humans and primates. The lower resistance of the amygdala to errors in humans may play a role in exaggerated survival responses, such as those seen in anxiety and PTSD.... Read More...
Genes with Large Effect on Head and Brain Size Discovered
Researchers report genetic influences on head circumference remain stable during development and are correlated with genetic factors which contribute to intracranial volume.... Read More...
Building a Bigger Brain
ARHGAP11B, a gene unique to humans and active in the cerebral cortex, causes enlargement of the ferret neocortex when introduced during development. ... Read More...
Shedding Light on the Evolution of Metabolism
Researchers report the ability to use sugar as food varies strongly between closely related species. The study identifies a genetic basis for this variation and could shed light on how human populations with different dietary histories may respond differently to modern, sugar rich diets. ... Read More...
Why Are People Religious? A Cognitive Perspective
Researchers investigate both the cognitive and neurobiological basis of why so people have religious beliefs.... Read More...