Post by Brian Roebuck on Sept 20, 2007 5:12:39 GMT -5
Human language, bat echolocation linked to the same gene
By John Timmer | Published: September 19, 2007 - 03:35PM CT
Those of you who followed news from biology a few years back are probably aware of reports of a "language gene." That gene, FOXP2, was found to be altered in families with a history of disabilities that included a striking lack of language skills. A further link to language skills came when the gene was examined in other great apes: chimps and gorillas had an identical version of the gene, while humans had two distinct changes in it. Further studies revealed that there have been very few changes in the gene throughout mammalian evolution. Since then, studies of the expression of and mutations in FOXP2 from a variety of species have suggest its involvement in hearing and facial muscle control as well, so the actual connection between the gene and language remains a bit of a mystery.
arstechnica.com/journals/science.ars/2007/09/19/human-language-bat-echolocation-linked-to-the-same-gene
By John Timmer | Published: September 19, 2007 - 03:35PM CT
Those of you who followed news from biology a few years back are probably aware of reports of a "language gene." That gene, FOXP2, was found to be altered in families with a history of disabilities that included a striking lack of language skills. A further link to language skills came when the gene was examined in other great apes: chimps and gorillas had an identical version of the gene, while humans had two distinct changes in it. Further studies revealed that there have been very few changes in the gene throughout mammalian evolution. Since then, studies of the expression of and mutations in FOXP2 from a variety of species have suggest its involvement in hearing and facial muscle control as well, so the actual connection between the gene and language remains a bit of a mystery.
arstechnica.com/journals/science.ars/2007/09/19/human-language-bat-echolocation-linked-to-the-same-gene