A new study identifies a gene variant, NOVA1, that may have played a crucial role in the evolution of spoken language in humans. This discovery suggests that genetics significantly influenced our unique ability to communicate verbally.
Scientists have identified a gene variant, NOVA1 , that may have played a crucial role in the evolution of spoken language in humans. This discovery suggests that genetics significantly influenced our unique ability to communicate verbally. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, indicates that a specific protein variant found only in humans, NOVA1 , could have facilitated a novel form of communication.
This advancement in understanding the origins of speech has profound implications for our comprehension of human evolution and may pave the way for new treatments for speech disorders.Researchers at Rockefeller University in New York used CRISPR gene editing to replace the NOVA1 protein in mice with the human variant. Surprisingly, this alteration changed the way the mice vocalized. Baby mice with the human variant squeaked differently when their mothers were near, and adult male mice with the variant chirped differently when encountering a female in heat. These observations, conducted in situations where mice are naturally motivated to vocalize, demonstrate the influence of the human NOVA1 variant on speech.While previous research has linked the FOXP2 gene to language and speech disorders, this variant is not unique to humans and is also found in Neanderthals. In contrast, the NOVA1 variant is exclusively present in Homo sapiens, highlighting its potential significance in our species' dominance. The researchers emphasize that while genetics plays a vital role, other factors like anatomical features in the throat and specialized brain regions also contribute to the ability to speak and understand language. Darnell and his team hope that this research not only sheds light on human origins but also ultimately leads to new therapeutic approaches for speech-related problems. University of Minnesota's Finestack suggests that this genetic finding may allow for early detection of individuals who might require speech and language interventions
GENETICS EVOLUTION SPEECH LANGUAGE NOVA1
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