Research published in Nature Communications demonstrates that introducing a human version of the NOVA1 gene into mice led to more complex and varied ultrasonic communication among the animals. While these findings indicate a potential genetic influence on the evolution of speech, scientists caution that language complexity cannot be attributed solely to a single gene. The study, involving recording the vocalizations of genetically modified mice, provides insights into the biological roots of human language and highlights the ongoing quest to understand the genetic factors behind speech development.
The genetic change produced differences in vocal behavior was "really exciting," says Erich Jarvis, emphasizing its significance in understanding the evolution of speech.
While NOVA1 has shown positive effects on vocalizations, Robert Darnell emphasized that one gene alone cannot explain the complexities of human spoken language.
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