A single #protein may have helped shape the emergence of spoken #language.
#NOVA1 #human_evolution #anthropology #RNA_binding_protein #neural #development
https://phys.org/news/2025-02-protein-emergence-spoken-language.html
The origins of human language remain mysterious. Are we the only animals truly capable of complex speech? Are Homo sapiens the only hominids who could give detailed directions to a far-off freshwater source or describe the nuanced purples and reds of a dramatic sunset?
Gene NOVA1 linked to emergence of spoken language
https://apnews.com/article/speech-genetics-humans-neanderthals-2e1f956c9c794706000162072f0c0c41
Humanized NOVA1 splicing factor alters mouse vocal communications
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56579-2
https://www.science.org/content/article/eloquent-mice-point-protein-may-have-shaped-human-speech
* transgenic mice carrying human-specific NOVA1 variant
* molec/behav consequences
* mouse vocalization: more complex squeaks
* possibly contributes to develop. of spoken language thru differential RNA regulation during brain development
#biology #evolution #language #genetics #FunctionalGenetics #NOVA1
Why did humans start speaking? Scientists suggest genetics played a big role. They say the evolution of this singular ability has been key to our survival. A new study links a particular gene to the ancient origins of spoken language. Researchers at Rockefeller University say a protein variant found only in humans may have helped us communicate in a novel way, giving us an edge over extinct cousins like Neanderthals. When put in mice, it changed the way they vocalized when they called out to each other. The research was published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications.
It might sound like science fiction, but neuroscientists are growing "mini brains" based on what they've learned from ancient DNA to learn more about why humans outlived their ancient cousins. New writer Joseph Gallegos explains what we've learned in this week's post, "From Paleolithic to Petri Dish".
https://pennneuroknow.com/2023/08/01/from-paleolithic-to-petri-dish/
#sciComm #neuroscience #brain #organoid #Neanderthal #Denisovan #NOVA1