Matt WillemsenFeb 17, 2024
Ancient viruses helped speedy nerves evolve
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/ancient-retrovirus-myelin-speedy-nerves-evolve #viruses #nerves #myelin #retrotransposons #vertebrates #jaws #RNA #RetroMyelin
Ancient viruses helped speedy nerves evolve

A retrovirus embedded in the DNA of some vertebrates helps turn on production of a protein needed to insulate nerve cells, aiding speedy thoughts.

Science News
CellBioNewsFeb 16, 2024

Ancient #retroviruses played a key role in the #evolution of vertebrate #brains, suggest researchers.

#myelin #retrotransposon #RetroMyelin

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-ancient-retroviruses-played-key-role.html

Ancient retroviruses played a key role in the evolution of vertebrate brains, suggest researchers

Researchers report in the journal Cell that ancient viruses may be to thank for myelin—and, by extension, our large, complex brains.

Phys.org