Scientist Decoded a Gene that Gives Humans an Edge over Apes

Researchers of University of Edinburgh discovered a new gene known as miR-941, which explains the evolution of humans from the chimpanzees. The gene is found only in human beings. It appeared in humans after they evolved from apes. This gene played a very important role in the development of a human brain. The gene could be used for knowing how humans learnt the usage of languages as well as tools.

University of Edinburgh researchers compared this gene to 11 more mammals’ species which included gorillas, chimpanzees, rats as well as mice. The research will help us know the answer to most commonly asked question- what is it that differentiates humans from others.
 
Previous studies which differentiated humans and apes established the fact that evolutionary genetic benefits enable humans to live much longer than the apes, while also making them susceptible to ailments such as heart disease, dementia as well as cancer.

miR-941 is the first of its kind gene and scientists believe that the gene has certain specific purpose in human body.