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15 Mutations Resulted In Increased Brain Size

Posted by timothy on from the goes-the-theory dept.

naoursla writes "Researchers at the University of Chicago think they have identified 15 mutations in a gene responsible for brain development that gave humans abilities of abstract thought and planning. The article is at Discover. They plan to insert the gene into mice to 'to see what affect it has on brain development.'"

6 of 193 comments (clear)

  1. Pinky and the Brain by gavinroy · · Score: 5, Funny

    It doesnt seem too far fetched now does it? How long until global mouse domination?

  2. Narf.... by synaptik · · Score: 5, Funny
    It doesnt seem too far fetched now does it? How long until global mouse domination?

    I don't think we have to worry, so long as we don't make rubber pants their size.
    --
    HSJ$$*&#^!#+++ATH0
    NO CARRIER
  3. Would the skulls get bigger too? by TheLink · · Score: 5, Funny

    Big brains in small skulls might not be such a good idea...

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  4. Quite simple, actually. by Rufus88 · · Score: 5, Funny

    root# diff gwbush_genome.map jdoe_genome.map

  5. NIMH has its Secrets by HTH+NE1 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Let's just hope the experimental subjects don't look at the writing on their cages and comprehend.

    --
    Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner entwine / The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine?
  6. Re:Might want to look into the 2nd smartest specie by emaveneau · · Score: 5, Informative
    They may want to look at the genetic mutations of dolphins and find out what made them have such a large brain, and be so intelligent that all that they do is swim in the water, eat fish and play around, whereas we build cars and buildings, and start wars.
    The Swedish scientist Lars Terenius, one of the discoverers of endorphins, may have already answered that question.
    He suggested that humans might be the only species on the planet lacking enough chemicals in their brains to keep them happy.
    Just as people are tempted to drink and take drugs in search of euphoria, so too might they scale mountains, build skyscrapers or pen theories on the laws of the universe if the sense of accomplishment unleashed euphoria-producing brain chemicals. Lower species, meanwhile, would remain content to huddle in their twigs and bushes generation after generation.

    Page 143. Possessing Genius: The true account of the Bizarre Odyssey of Einstein's Brain. Carolyn Abraham, 2001, Penguin. ISBN 014029368X.
    Our disposition to be unhappy makes us out compete everything else. Other species are happy and only seek survival.

    BTW: Great book. Covers what happened to his brain post autopsy. Full of neuro knowledge and witticisms.