They implanted human genes in a group of monkeys and discovered surprising changes

For example, scientists from the Kunming Institute of Zoology (China), the University of North Carolina (US), and other institutions have detected MCPH1 gene, basis for the development of a fetus and whose mutations can cause microcephaly, a disorder in which the head and brain are smaller than normal.

That way, they created 11 macaque Transgenic Rhesus after exposing their embryos to a virus carrying this version of this human gene, according to the magazine National Science Journal.

The badysis of their brains and tissue sections revealed an alteration of the neuronal differentiation and delayed maturation of the neural system called neoteny similar to the developmental delay in humans.

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

Thus, the study indicates that transgenic animals have demonstrated better short-term memory and faster reactions compared to their peers in the control group.

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.