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Researchers Say Human Brain is Still Evolving

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the smarter-better-faster dept.

Oleg Alexandrov writes "Two genes involved in determining the size of the human brain have undergone substantial evolution in the last 60,000 years, researchers say, suggesting that the brain is still undergoing rapid evolution. The discovery adds further weight to the view that human evolution is still a work in progress, since previous instances of recent genetic change have come to light in genes that defend against disease and confer the ability to digest milk in adulthood."

6 of 923 comments (clear)

  1. Counter-evidence... by FyRE666 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Researchers Say Human Brain is Still Evolving

    I guess these guys have never browsed Slashdot at -1 then... And how do they explain George Bush, Beanie Babies and the Crazy Frog? And where did they get a 60,000 year old brain from to find these genes - Joan Rivers' skull? No no no, none of this is adding up...

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    Code, Hardware, stuff like that.
  2. The human brain... by myowntrueself · · Score: 4, Funny

    is an organ for cooling the blood.

    We actually think with our stomachs.

    Obviously the cooling needs of the human body are still increasing over time. Probably linked to global warming.

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    In the free world the media isn't government run; the government is media run.
    1. Re:The human brain... by Jace+of+Fuse! · · Score: 5, Funny

      We actually think with our stomachs.

      Nope. Getting warm though. Little lower...

      --

      "Everything you know is wrong. (And stupid.)"

      Moderation Totals: Wrong=2, Stupid=3, Total=5.
  3. Depends on how much spaghetti you eat by ScentCone · · Score: 5, Funny

    Also, I understand that if you wear an eyepatch, that strengthens the optic nerve on one side of your brain. It is proof of His Noodly Will.

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    Don't disappoint your bird dog. Go to the range.
  4. Re:It's remarkable how wrong this is by Cruithne · · Score: 5, Funny

    The solution to this problem is obvious.... only let the people with an IQ above X have sex :D

    If you mod me down or reply negatively, you lose sex priveledges too :D

  5. Re:It's remarkable how wrong this is by ShadyG · · Score: 4, Funny
    Whatever this allele does, it had a selective advantage of more than 5 percent. They don't know it necessarily makes people smarter, but it's hard to think what else it might be.

    That's because you don't have it.
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    Nerd Rock In Progress