New gene discovery

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have discovered a new gene that may explain how humans have evolved from apes.  According to the researchers this new gene known as miR-941 played a role in developing the human brain and may also provide explanations on language and the usage of tools. In order to test their findings, the researchers compared the human genome to 11 other species of mammals. They then discovered that this new gene is only found in humans and most likely became apparent after humans evolved from apes. The main operations of this new gene are operative in the areas of the brain that are in charge of language skills and decision making abilities. Overall, this new gene may help explain what makes humans very unique from other mammals. The lead researcher in charge of this discovery, Dr. Taylor, had this to say, "As a species, humans are wonderfully inventive-we are socially and technologically evolving all the time. But the research shows that we are innovating at a genetic level too. This new molecule sprang from nowhere at a time when our species was undergoing dramatic changes: living longer, walking upright, learning how to use tools and how to communicate. We're now hopeful that we will find more new genes that help show what makes us human."



Overall, I believe that this new discovery is huge in terms of finding an scientific explanation to the uniqueness of humans. Many other researchers will now be able to see if this gene really does provide that explanation and maybe find other genes that may explain this phenomenon.