Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Scientists added human brain genes in monkeys

 Scientists in China have been studying what the effects of adding human brain genes to monkeys would be.  In a recent article, it is mentioned that the scientists took the MCPH1 gene and introduced it into monkey embryos.  The five macaque monkeys were then tested and they performed better on short-term memory tests than the control group of monkeys did.  The tests also showed that their brains developed over a longer time period, which is similar to human brains.  The question they are after an answer to is how did humans develop our unique intelligence.  The scientists have already started to do more testing, this time adding the SRGAP2C gene but they do not have any results yet.  They also want to start implanting the FOXP2 gene, which is believed to be responsible for humans having the ability to speak. 

4 comments:

  1. This article seems to be interesting. I think after just implanting that one gene and they got this much in results, I think if they continue, they can find something that can change what we know about humans and animals as a whole.

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  2. It's all so interesting, yet confusing considering where to draw the line. What happens when they implant the FOXP2 gene and the monkey speaks. What if it asks for freedom, or rights. do we simply terminate it because we've learned what we wanted to from it?

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  3. This is fascinating, it makes me think that maybe genetic mutations is what caused human brains to be more developed or more "inteligent". What troubles me a little is, do they think animals cannot speak? I believe animals speak, they just do it in a different language. If what they are altering is the ability of learning human languages, then my thoughts would change.

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  4. This is how "end of the world" movies start. The article is definitely interesting and I am curious enough to want to see more but they are treading a very fine line.

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