Uncover how language evolved in humans through genetics, neuroscience, and primate communication, reshaping our understanding of speech and cognition
🗣️ The Origins of Language: Unraveling the Threads of Human Communication By [Zahra Waleed] Language is a defining feature of humanity, enabling us to share ideas, express emotions, and build societies. But where did this remarkable ability come from? Recent research offers intriguing insights into the evolutionary, genetic, and neurological roots of language. 🧬 Genetic Foundations: The NOVA1 Gene and Speech Evolution Scientists at Rockefeller University have identified a human-specific variant of the NOVA1 gene that may have played a crucial role in the development of spoken language. Using CRISPR gene editing, researchers introduced this variant into mice, resulting in altered vocalizations. This suggests that NOVA1 contributed to the neural development necessary for speech, distinguishing modern humans from Neanderthals and other hominids. WSLS +3 News-Medical +3 AP News +3 🐒 Primate Communication: Bonobos and Marmosets Show Complex Vocalizations A study published ...