Shark 6th Sense Related to Human Evolution?

An anonymous reader writes "Scientists at the University of Florida are claiming that certain genes found in sharks that give them their 'sixth sense' and allow them to detect electrical signals could also be responsible for the development of the head and facial features in humans. From the article: 'The researchers examined embryos of the lesser spotted catshark. Using molecular tests, they found two independent genetic markers of neural crest cells in the sharks' electroreceptors. Neural crest cells are embryonic cells that pinch off early in development to form a variety of structures. In humans, these cells contribute to the formation of facial bones and teeth, among other things.'"

Comments

No mammals?

[Jordan Catalano]

As they evolved, mammals, reptiles, birds and most fish lost the ability. Today, only sharks and a few other marine species, such as sturgeons and lampreys, can sense electricity.

The platypus begs to differ...

Re:No mammals?

[morgdx]

Not just the platypus either, but other monotremes (literaly, one hole, I'll leave you to imagine the details) including the Echidna are strongly suspected of having electrosenory receptors.

A bit more info http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd= Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9720114&dopt=Abstract and here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monotreme.

Maybe this is something else left behind in monotremes from an early link with sharks alongside laying eggs and looking ridiculous out of water.

Re:How many senses do we have?

[Peter Mork]

Let's see, humans have: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, pressure, deep pain, surface pain, referred pain, hot, cold, static equilibrium, and dynamic equilibrium. Some might even throw in thirst and hunger.