Brain Wiring, Not Just Size, Helped Humans Evolve Beyond Chimps

Brain Wiring, Not Just Size, Helped Humans Evolve Beyond Chimps

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Human and chimp brains look anatomically similar because both evolved from the same ancestor millions of years ago. But where does the chimp brain end and the human brain begin? A new UCLA study pinpoints uniquely human patterns of gene activity in the brain that could shed light on how we evolved differently than our closest relative. The identification of these genes could improve understanding of human brain diseases like autism and schizophrenia, as well as learning disorders and addictions. The research appears in the advance online edition of the journal Neuron.