Did a Genome Copying Mistake Lead To Human Intelligence?

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Did a Genome Copying Mistake Lead To Human Intelligence?

Posted by samzenpus on Monday May 7, 2012 @12:06AM from the happy-accidents dept.

A new study suggests that the sophistication of the human brain may be due to a mistake in cell division long ago. From the article: "A copyediting error appears to be responsible for critical features of the human brain that distinguish us from our closest primate kin, new research finds. When tested out in mice, researchers found this 'error' caused the rodents' brain cells to move into place faster and enabled more connections between brain cells."

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Re:Brain by jaminJay · 2012-05-07 00:15 · Score: 5, Funny

I think so, Brain, but how are we going to get the monkeys to wear plastic underpants?

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Leela: "Is all the work done by children?" Alien: "No, not the whipping."
Super-intelligent mice? by gtvr · 2012-05-07 00:17 · Score: 4, Funny

How long until they break out & take over the world?
It's Not a Bug... by Anonymous Coward · 2012-05-07 00:22 · Score: 4, Funny

It's a feature!
.
.
.
I'll get my coat now...
isn't this the start of a movie plot? by million_monkeys · 2012-05-07 00:23 · Score: 5, Funny

scientist 1: "We figured out the secret to human intelligence!"
scientist 2: "Let try it on those animals in the cage and see if we can make them super smart!"
scientist 1: "Good idea! I can't imagine any scenario where that could go wrong."
scientist 1&2: "Yay!"
in the background:
chimp 1: "Pass me some more smart drink"
chimp 2: "You got it buddy. Once we're smart enough to get this cage open, we are so gonna fuck them up..."
Re:More proof that copying is BAD! by dutchwhizzman · 2012-05-07 00:24 · Score: 4, Funny

Are you telling me that if you copy bad music often enough, it might turn into good music?

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I was promised a flying car. Where is my flying car?
Re:Evolution by Savage-Rabbit · 2012-05-07 00:32 · Score: 3, Funny

There are many cases of evolution leading to simpler or dumber creatures that have other traits that give them an edge in their environment. It's not a thinking, planning system.
Well.... that explains Sarah Palin and a whole bunch of her friends and followers.

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Only to idiots, are orders laws.
-- Henning von Tresckow
Re:Evolution by AliasMarlowe · 2012-05-07 00:45 · Score: 5, Funny

Animals are already at the level of Ted Haggard, Jerry Fallwell, Creationists et al..
Animals without a central nervous system are not bothered by this remark.
Animals with single-digit IQs suspect you've just insulted their intelligence.
Animals with an IQ or 10 or more are certain of it, and they're utterly livid.

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Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. - Voltaire
Re:Not at all; completely on point by Quiet_Desperation · 2012-05-07 00:48 · Score: 5, Funny

Well, there was that incident over at the NIMH.
Re:Not at all; completely on point by dragonsomnolent · 2012-05-07 01:15 · Score: 4, Funny

shhhh! it's a secret.

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I got nuthin
Re:Not at all; completely on point by mhajicek · 2012-05-07 01:41 · Score: 3, Funny

Perhaps they use sign language because predators are too good at following sound. Maybe they communicate with electric charge. Or they could communicate with carefully controlled breaking of wind.
Re:Not at all; completely on point by poly_pusher · 2012-05-07 02:08 · Score: 5, Funny

Sorry I just can't resist. You sir are talking out your ass... ;)