clipped from: science.monstersandcritics.com KUNMING, China (UPI) -- A Chinese-led study has shown a form of the protein neuropsin, important in learning and memory, is expressed only in the human central nervous system.
The researchers, led by 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 note 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.