【23】科技: Scientists Identify Genes Behind Humans' Big Brains

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Scientists Identify Genes Behind Humans' Big Brains

June 10, 2018

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A doctor holds a human brain in a brain bank in the Bronx borough of New York City, New York, U.S. June 28, 2017. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

FILE PHOTO: Students attend a lecture in the auditorium of a university in Munich, Germany, May 25, 2016. REUTERS/Michaela Rehle

The NOTCH2NL genes are not present in the closest genetic relatives to human beings. None were found in monkeys or orangutans.

However, Reuters reports that the researchers did find the genes in the remains of two human ancestor species: Neanderthals and Denisovans.

NOTCH2NL gene abnormalities were found to be connected problems that affect the brain. These include autism, schizophrenia and both unusually large and unusually small head size.

I’m Pete Musto.

Will Dunham reported this story for the Reuters news service. Pete Musto adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

We want to hear from you. What more do you think researchers will learn about how the human brain developed? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

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Words in This Story

evolution – n. the process by which changes in plants and animals happen over time

fossil - n. remains of an organism from the past

stem cell(s) – n. an unspecialized cell that gives rise to differentiated cells

neuron(s) – n. a cell that carries messages between the brain and other parts of the body and that is the basic unit of the nervous system

emerge(d) – v. to become known or apparent

fascinating – adj. very interesting

origin(s) – n. a cause, rise or beginning

ultimate – adj. greatest or most extreme

relative(s) – n. an animal or plant connected to another by common ancestry

abnormalities – n. things that are not normal or usual, usually in a way that is undesirable or worrying

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