They create transgenic monkeys with genes from the human brain

Wishing to explore the mechanism of brain evolution, a group of Chinese and American researchers produced several transgenic monkeys with copies of human genes playing a prominent role in shaping our intellect, reports China Daily.

These specialists from the Kunming Institute of Zoology (China), the University of North Carolina (USA) and other institutions have identified the MCPH1 gene, which is fundamental for the development of the fetus and whose mutations can provoke microcephaly, a disorder of the head and brain are smaller than normal.

Thus, the researchers created 11 Rhesus transgenic monkeys after exposing their embryos to a virus carrying this version of this human gene, according to the National Science Review.

The badysis of their brains and their tissue sections showed a modification of the pattern of neuronal differentiation and a delayed maturation of the neural system called neoteny, similar to the developmental delay in humans.

A crucial difference between humans and other primates is that we need much more time to form neural networks during development, a process that dramatically lengthens childhood.

The study indicates that transgenic monkeys had better short-term memory and faster reactions compared to their control group peers.

The researchers hope that new experiments will help uncover the factors that make the human brain unique and allow us to better understand neurodegenerative disorders and social behavior.

RT.