"Unveiling the Genetic Factors that Distinguish Human Cognitive Abilities from Other Primates"

A study led by researchers at the University of Toronto has identified over 100 genes that have undergone evolutionary divergence only in humans, potentially contributing to our unique cognitive ability. These genes are expressed differently in human brains compared to chimpanzees, gorillas, macaques, and marmosets. The findings suggest that reduced selective pressure may have allowed these genes to develop higher-level cognitive capacity. The study is part of the Human Cell Atlas initiative, which aims to map all human cells to better understand health and disease. The research provides insights into the cellular differences between humans and other primates and offers a database for further genetic characterization across primates.