https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/brain-gene-tops-list-making-humans-human-180975128/
Brain Gene Tops the List for Making Humans, Human
In a study involving marmosets, a primate genetically similar to humans, researchers have come closer to understanding brain evolution
Quote...Because ARHGAP11B falls into a region of the human genome that is known to be associated with intellectual disability, schizophrenia and epilepsy, learning more about how it functions could also be important for understanding disease. For example, human brains that become too large (macrocephalized) can suffer a suite of neurological and behavioral disorders, including autism.
Understanding uniquely human genes such as ARHGAP11B also could aid in the development of new kinds of therapies. This study’s authors suggest this gene has the potential to be useful in growing stem cells that could help treat diseases like Parkinson’s, where clear mutations have been identified. ...
This is an unusually interesting insight into our evolution. While the medical applications are probably more practical, the evolution of this gene fascinates me.
It gives a shudder from every angle, doesn't it?
Human beings are large marmosets? That explains politics a lot ;-)