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.