German Scientists find gene that makes one human brain

German scientists have found a gene that dramatically increases the number of neurons in the neocortex of the brain that plays an important role in the processes of thought, language and perception, as reported by media on Saturday.

The ARHGAP11B gene, discovered by German scientists from the Max Planck Institute, seems to be uniquely human, as it is in modern humans, Neanderthals and in the Denisova hominid, but absent in chimpanzees.

This small DNA fragment by allowing the neocortex contain many more neurons, could have laid the foundations for the massive expansion of the human brain.

According to the researchers, the gene appeared after our evolutionary separation from chimps. ARHGAP11B role in the development of the brain and has confirmed the experiments in mice: injection into a mouse results in amplification of the cortex and the formation of folds typical for the human brain.

However, the team warns not to expect an appearance of mice capable of reasoning in the laboratory. The increased number of neurons in the neocortex is not enough: the brain also needs to create functional relationships based on these cells, and other genes that are responsible.

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