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Sustainability Times
02-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Human Gene Makes Mice Speak': Scientists Alter Rodents With Language DNA and Trigger Startling Changes in Vocal Behavior
IN A NUTSHELL 🧬 Scientists inserted the human-specific NOVA1 gene into mice, revealing significant changes in their vocalizations . gene into mice, revealing significant changes in their . 🔊 Modified mice produced higher-pitched squeaks and different sound mixes, providing insight into communication evolution. evolution. 🧠 The NOVA1 gene plays a crucial role in brain development and influences genes associated with vocalization . gene plays a crucial role in brain development and influences genes associated with . 🌍 This research enhances our understanding of human evolution and the genetic basis of advanced language skills. In a stunning leap for genetic research, scientists have managed to insert a human gene into mice, resulting in unexpectedly altered vocalizations. This groundbreaking experiment, conducted at Rockefeller University, has revealed that a small genetic change can have significant effects on communication. By introducing the human-specific NOVA1 gene into mice, researchers have opened new avenues for understanding the evolution of vocal communication, shedding light on how humans may have developed their advanced language skills. A Genetic Change That Alters Communication The NOVA1 gene is crucial for brain development and is present across many species, including mammals and birds. A unique variation of this gene is found only in humans, producing a protein vital for vocalization. At Rockefeller University, scientists introduced this human version of NOVA1 into mice to explore its role in communication. The findings were remarkable. Baby mice with the humanized NOVA1 gene exhibited different vocalizations compared to those with the typical mouse version. When calling to their mothers, these modified mice produced higher-pitched squeaks and a different mix of sounds. These changes are not just minor; they provide critical insights into how complex vocal communication might have evolved over time. This experiment underscores the potential for genetic modifications to influence communication patterns, offering a glimpse into the genetic basis of language evolution. 'Time Was Here First': Mind-Blowing Discovery Reveals the Universe Was Born from Time Itself, Not from Space at All The Role of NOVA1 in Mice Vocalization In their natural state, baby mice use ultrasonic squeaks to communicate with their mothers. Scientists categorize these sounds into four basic 'letters': S, D, U, and M. When the human version of NOVA1 was inserted, the modified mice's sounds differed significantly from wild-type mice. Some 'letters' in their squeaks changed entirely, indicating that the genetic modification influenced their ability to produce and potentially understand vocalizations. As these mice matured, the changes became more pronounced. Male mice, in particular, produced a wider variety of high-frequency calls during courtship. These alterations in vocal patterns suggest that genetic expression changes could impact the evolution of communication and behavior, providing a window into how complex communication systems might arise within a species. 'Google Just Changed Everything': This Ruthless New AI Reads 1 Million Human DNA Letters Instantly and Scientists Are Stunned NOVA1: A Key Player in Evolutionary Communication The NOVA1 gene encodes a protein involved in RNA binding, essential for brain development and movement control. While the human and mouse versions of NOVA1 function similarly, the human version uniquely affects genes related to vocalization. The study revealed that many genes associated with vocalization are binding targets of NOVA1, indicating the gene's direct role in regulating vocal communication. This ability to influence specific genes might explain why humans developed advanced language skills compared to other species. Human-Specific Genetic Variants and Evolution Interestingly, the human version of NOVA1 is absent in other hominin species like Neanderthals and Denisovans. These extinct relatives shared a similar NOVA1 version but lacked the human-specific variant causing the I197V amino acid change. This discovery enriches our understanding of human evolution and the origins of speech. 'Like a Floating Magic Carpet': Newly Discovered Deep-Sea Creature Stuns Scientists With Its Surreal, Otherworldly Movements Professor Robert Darnell, who led the study, speculated that this genetic shift may have given early humans an evolutionary advantage. Darnell noted, 'We thought, wow. We did not expect that. It was one of those really surprising moments in science.' This genetic change might have been crucial in allowing Homo sapiens to develop sophisticated communication skills, distinguishing them from other species. This insight prompts intriguing questions: Could enhanced communication abilities have been decisive for the survival and success of Homo sapiens? The researchers suggest that this NOVA1 shift could have been pivotal in our species' ability to thrive, while other hominins, lacking this trait, eventually declined. This groundbreaking research on the NOVA1 gene not only opens new paths for scientific inquiry but also raises critical questions about our own evolution. How might further understanding of such genetic shifts illuminate the path of human development, and could these insights lead to revolutionary advances in genetic medicine and therapy? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.7/5 (26)
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Mice talk differently after scientists insert a human language gene
In a remarkable scientific breakthrough, researchers at Rockefeller University have inserted a human-specific gene into mice, revealing fascinating changes in their communication. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now By introducing the NOVA1 gene , a critical player in human brain development, scientists observed that the mice began producing different kinds of squeaks. These changes were not minor; the modified mice exhibited higher-pitched sounds and a new mixture of vocal patterns. This experiment offers a glimpse into how small genetic shifts might have played a monumental role in shaping human language. Could a single gene be one of the secrets behind humanity's unique ability to communicate? What happens when a human gene is inserted into mice The NOVA1 gene, although present in many animals, exists in a slightly different form in humans. When scientists introduced this human version into mice, the effects were surprising. Baby mice carrying the modified gene produced distinctly different vocalisations compared to normal mice, altering how they called out to their mothers. How did mice's communication change Under normal conditions, baby mice squeak in ultrasonic sounds, typically categorised into four types: S, D, U, and M. However, after the human NOVA1 gene was inserted, some of these basic "sound letters" changed. As the mice grew up, male mice also showed greater variety and complexity in their calls when courting females. Importance of NOVA1 for vocalisation NOVA1 is known to regulate the activity of many genes, particularly those involved in brain development and movement control. The study revealed that genes associated with vocal communication were among its main targets. This suggests that NOVA1 may have a direct influence on how complex communication systems evolve. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now What does this tell us about human evolution Remarkably, the human-specific version of NOVA1 — containing a tiny I197V amino acid change — is absent in Neanderthals and Denisovans. Scientists believe this slight difference might have given early Homo sapiens a major evolutionary advantage, allowing them to communicate more effectively and survive better than their ancient cousins. "We thought, wow. We did not expect that. It was one of those really surprising moments in science," said Professor Robert Darnell, who led the study. This groundbreaking research provides a new lens through which we can view the origins of human language and the small but mighty genetic changes that may have made us who we are today.
Euronews
21-02-2025
- Science
- Euronews
Why did humans start speaking? Scientists point to a specific gene
Scientists have identified a particular gene that they say could be tied to the ancient origins of spoken language, which was key to humans' survival. Speech allowed us to share information, coordinate activities and pass down knowledge, giving us an edge over extinct cousins like Neanderthals and Denisovans. The new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, proposes that a protein variant found only in humans may have helped us communicate in a novel way. It is 'a good first step to start looking at the specific genes' that may affect speech and language development, said Liza Finestack at the US-based University of Minnesota, who was not involved with the research. What scientists learn may someday even help people with speech problems. The genetic variant researchers were looking at was one of a variety of genes "that contributed to the emergence of Homo sapiens as the dominant species, which we are today,' said Dr Robert Darnell, one of the study's authors. Darnell has been studying the protein – called NOVA1 and known to be crucial to brain development – since the early 1990s. For the latest research, scientists in his lab at New York's Rockefeller University used CRISPR gene editing to replace the NOVA1 protein found in mice with the exclusively human type to test the real-life effects of the genetic variant. To their surprise, it changed the way the animals vocalised when they called out to each other. Baby mice with the human variant squeaked differently than normal littermates when their mom came around. Adult male mice with the variant chirped differently than their normal counterparts when they saw a female in heat. Both are settings where mice are motivated to speak, Darnell said, 'and they spoke differently" with the human variant, illustrating its role in speech. History of speech and genetics This isn't the first time a gene has been linked to speech. In 2001, British scientists said they had discovered the first gene tied to a language and speech disorder. Called FOXP2, it was referred to as the human language gene. But though FOXP2 is involved in human language, it turned out that the variant in modern humans wasn't unique to us. Later research found it was shared with Neanderthals. The NOVA1 variant in modern humans, on the other hand, is found exclusively in our species, Darnell said. The presence of a gene variant isn't the only reason people can speak. The ability also depends on things like anatomical features in the human throat and areas of the brain that work together to allow people to speak and understand language. Darnell hopes the recent work not only helps people better understand their origins but also eventually leads to new ways to treat speech-related problems. Finestack said it's more likely the genetic findings might someday allow scientists to detect, very early in life, who might need speech and language interventions. 'That's certainly a possibility,' she said.
The Independent
18-02-2025
- Science
- The Independent
The newly discovered gene that sets us apart from Neanderthals
The evolution of human speech – a cornerstone of our survival and dominance – may be linked to a specific genetic variant, new research suggests. Scientists believe this unique adaptation provided an evolutionary advantage. It enabled information sharing, coordinated activities, and knowledge transfer, setting us apart from extinct hominids like Neanderthals and Denisovans. A study published in Nature Communications focuses on the NOVA1 protein, which is crucial for brain development. Researchers used CRISPR technology to replace the mouse version of NOVA1 with the human variant. The result: Altered vocalisations in the mice. Pups with the human variant squeaked differently when their mother approached, and adult males emitted distinct chirps in the presence of females. Dr. Robert Darnell, an author of the study and a long-time researcher of NOVA1, believes this variant is among the genes that 'contributed to the emergence of Homo sapiens as the dominant species'. Liza Finestack of the University of Minnesota, who was not involved in the study, agrees, calling it 'a good first step to start looking at the specific genes' influencing speech. Future research building on these findings could potentially lead to breakthroughs in treating speech disorders. This isn't the first time a gene has been linked to speech. In 2001, British scientists said they had discovered the first gene tied to a language and speech disorder. Called FOXP2, it was referred to as the human language gene. But though FOXP2 is involved in human language, it turned out that the variant in modern humans wasn't unique to us. Later research found it was shared with Neanderthals. The NOVA1 variant in modern humans, on the other hand, is found exclusively in our species, Darnell said. The presence of a gene variant isn't the only reason people can speak. The ability also depends on things like anatomical features in the human throat and areas of the brain that work together to allow people to speak and understand language. Dr Darnell hopes the recent work not only helps people better understand their origins but also eventually leads to new ways to treat speech-related problems. Dr Finestack said it's more likely the genetic findings might someday allow scientists to detect, very early in life, who might need speech and language interventions. 'That's certainly a possibility,' she said.
