A gene that has long been implicated in the evolution of speech and language has given up more of its secrets.
A study of the effects of two versions of the FOXP2 gene, one from chimpanzees and one from humans, showed marked differences in their effects.
Human FOXP2 triggered changes in genes known to affect the growth of brain areas related to language and also, more generally, to higher thought.
The findings, published in Nature, could aid diagnosis of mental diseases.
Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8355541.stm