- Alysson Muotri (UC San Diego) grows brain organoids, or miniature brain models, to study brain development.
- Research by Philip Gunz (Max Planck Institute) has attempted to triangulate genes involved in the differential brain and skull development in Neanderthals compared to modern humans. One study identified present-day individuals whose cranium was the most 'Neanderthal-like' compared to others, with increased volume of the occipital and lower parietal regions, identified associated gene variants. Two genes stood out that had been characterized in mice, one involved in development of the putamen and another in myelination of the cerebellum. The overall amount of Neanderthal DNA also correlated positively with a more 'Neanderthal-like' skull shape.
- Muotri has now spliced these Neanderthal variants into brain organoids to create 'Neanderoids,' which have a different morphology compared to typical brain organoids. These organoids are capable of sending signals to small robots, enabling them to walk.
- The researchers are hoping to uncover developmental differences as a result of these variance that may further elucidate cognitive, social and behavioral differences between humans and Neanderthals.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02210-6
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