Gene mutation linked to cognition
 A
Chinese-led study has shown that a form of the protein neuropsin,
important in learning and memory, is expressed only in the human central
nervous system. The researchers, led by
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The human
central nervous system
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Bing Su of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Kunming, China,
analyzed the DNA of humans and several species of apes and monkeys.
The scientists noted that human and chimpanzee genomes vary by just
1.2 percent, yet there is a considerable difference in the mental and
linguistic capabilities of the two species.
The study determined a certain form of neuropsin, expressed only in
humans, originated less than 5 million years ago. The study also
demonstrated the molecular mechanism that creates the novel protein. The
research appears in the online edition of the journal Human Mutation.
United Press
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