Chimp-only retrovirus insertions linked to human brain differences
Original title: An Ancient Virus Explains Why the Human Brain Is Special
A Science Advances study says PTERV1 insertions silence LINC00662 in chimpanzees but not in humans.
A 404 Media science roundup leads with a Science Advances paper arguing that chimpanzee-specific PTERV1 retroviral insertions helped human and chimpanzee brains diverge. Using brain organoids, Lund University researchers report insertions on chromosome 19 that silence LINC00662 in chimpanzees while the gene stays active in human brain development. The newsletter also covers fast crow decision-making and a Westminster Abbey sarcophagus.
- PTERV1 is reported in chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas, but not humans.
- Infections are dated to African ape ancestors about 5 to 7 million years ago.
- Two carrion crows chose in about 235 milliseconds at 75% and 73% accuracy.
From the original article
6 min read at 404media.co
Scientists have discovered a family of retroviruses that invaded the genomes of chimps and other primates, silencing genes involved with brain development, while humans were left unaffected.
By Becky Ferreira · 404media.co
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