Two mouse genes that were left behind by viral infections millions of years ago have evolved to help defend the brain against new infections.
Researchers say laughter may have been preserved by natural selection to assist with human survival.
Wolves, like dogs, prefer the presence of a familiar person over that of a stranger. Familiarity with a human has a positive and calming impact on a wolf's social behavior.
Not only did microbes diversify within early modern human hosts as they traveled and settled in different geographical locations, they also followed human evolution by limiting themselves to the gut.
The ARHGAP11B gene played a critical role in the development of the human neocortex during evolution.
Study reveals greater neuron production in the modern human frontal lobe during development compared to the Neanderthal brain. Researchers say this is due to a change in a single amino acid in the TKTL1 protein.
Stool samples taken from Viking latrines allowed researchers to map the genome of the Whipworm parasite. The study maps the parasite's global spread and relationship with human beings.
Axolotls have the ability to regenerate brain areas following an injury. Researchers have mapped cell types and genes associated with neurodegeneration in the axolotl brain, discovering some similarities in the human brain. The findings could pave the way for new neurodegenerative therapies.
Researchers created a molecular atlas of the bearded dragon's brain and compared it to the mouse brain. Findings reveal, contrary to popular belief, mammalian brains consist of an ancient reptilian brain supplemented with new mammalian features. Both reptilian and mammalian brains evolved their own clade-specific neuron types and circuits from a common ancestral set.
A new study sheds light on why humans often use hand movements while talking. Researchers report rhythmic hand gestures affect rib cage movements, leading to a change in lung volume and ultimately aspects of the voice. Infants connect early vocal babbling with hand gestures, demonstrating an early connection between movement and vocal production.
Researchers have identified human-specific cell types in the prefrontal cortex. These unique cells may explain why humans are more susceptible to neuropsychiatric diseases than other primate species.
Anatomical simplification of the larynx as a result of evolution allowed vocal complexity in human speech.
