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evolutionary neuroscience

·February 15, 2024·5 min read

Ancient Viruses Shaped Our Brains

Ancient viruses played a pivotal role in the development of myelin, crucial for complex vertebrate brains. The discovery of "RetroMyelin," a retrovirus-derived element essential for myelin production across mammals, amphibians, and fish, underscores the impact of viral genes on vertebrate evolution.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 5, 2024·4 min read

Fruit Flies’ Sensory Evolution: A Whiff of Genetic Secrets

Researchers mapped the sensory evolution of fruit flies, revealing how genetic variations enable them to adapt their sense of smell and taste to diverse environments. The team discovered that while most genes remain stable across generations, a significant number have evolved, leading to unique olfactory experiences among different fly species.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 29, 2024·4 min read

Ancient Skulls Unveil Secrets of Human Bipedalism

A recent study using three-dimensional CT scans of the 6-million-year-old ape, Lufengpithecus, offers new insights into the evolution of human bipedalism. By analyzing the ape's bony inner ear region, researchers discovered a connection between its semicircular canals and locomotor behavior, suggesting a three-step evolution of human bipedalism from ancestral arboreal and terrestrial movements.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·January 22, 2024·8 min read

Ancient DNA Reveals Secrets of High Modern Alzheimer’s and MS Rates

Researchers have created a vast gene bank from nearly 5,000 ancient humans, offering unprecedented insights into the historical spread of genes and diseases. This groundbreaking study linked the spread of multiple sclerosis (MS) genes to ancient migrations and discovered that genes increasing the risk of diseases like Alzheimer's originated from hunter-gatherers.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 18, 2024·3 min read

Shrinking Evolution: Ecology Influences Animal Size

A new study challenges traditional views on animal size evolution. The study, utilizes computer models to demonstrate how ecological factors, like competition for resources and extinction risk, influence animal size changes over time.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 9, 2024·6 min read

Why Do Most People Cradle Babies in Their Left Arm?

A novel study explores the curious phenomenon of why the majority of people prefer cradling a baby in the crook of their left arm. Research suggests that around 75% of individuals, regardless of their handedness, instinctively use their non-dominant arm to cradle a baby.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 8, 2024·5 min read

Evolution May Be Predictable

A groundbreaking study challenges the belief that evolution is entirely unpredictable. Researchers found that the evolutionary trajectory of a genome may be influenced by its history, shedding light on gene interactions.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 18, 2023·5 min read

Human Brain’s Unique Parallel Pathways

Researchers discovered a unique feature of the human brain's communication networks: the transmission of information via multiple parallel pathways, a trait not observed in macaques or mice. This finding emerged from a study using diffusion and functional MRI data, combined with information and graph theory.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 18, 2023·5 min read

Apes’ Long-Term Social Memory Mirrors Human Ability

A new study reveals that apes possess a remarkably long-lasting social memory, comparable to humans. Researchers found that chimpanzees and bonobos can recognize former groupmates they haven't seen for over 25 years, showing more attention to those they had positive relationships with.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 8, 2023·5 min read

Did Fermentation Drive Human Brain Evolution?

Recent research proposes that fermentation, rather than cooking, was the crucial dietary change that enabled the significant growth of the human brain. The researchers argue that pre-digested, fermented foods provided more accessible nourishment, bridging the gap between the evolution of larger brains and the later advent of cooking.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 4, 2023·4 min read

Human Brain Development: Growth After Birth Challenges Previous Assumptions

A new study challenges the belief that human newborns have significantly less developed brains compared to other primates. The research reveals that human infants are born with brains typical of similar primate species, but their brains grow larger and more complex post-birth, giving the impression of underdevelopment.

This shows a brain that looks like a tree.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 29, 2023·5 min read

The Cerebellum’s Role in Human Cognitive Evolution

New research reveals the cerebellum's significant role in the evolution of human cognitive functions. The study mapped the genetic development of cerebellar cells in humans, mice, and opossums, uncovering both ancestral and unique cellular characteristics.