"The Surprising Influence of the 'Little Brain' on Human Cognitive Advancement"

Researchers at Heidelberg University have mapped the development of the cerebellum in humans, mice, and opossums, revealing its complex structure and significant role in human cognitive evolution. The study focused on Purkinje cells and genetic variations over 160 million years, shedding light on the cellular and molecular characteristics of cerebellum development. The findings suggest that the expansion of specific types of Purkinje cells during human evolution supports higher cognitive functions. The research also identified genes with activity profiles that differ between humans and mice, which could provide valuable insights for biomedical research on neurodevelopmental disorders and childhood brain tumors.