New research reveals migrating neurons suffer physical stress causing double-strand DNA breaks during brain development, which are quickly repaired. This process introduces subtle genetic differences, impacting brain biology and potential neurological disorders.
Ancient hominids faced lead exposure. A genetic mutation (NOVA1) in modern humans may have protected brains, enabling language development and social cohesion, giving an edge over Neanderthals.
A group of international researchers led by Paola Cerrito from the University of Zurich's Department of Evolutionary Anthropology studied how such social interactions map onto brain development in common marmosets.
