Research reveals gene expression differences drive human brain complexity compared to chimpanzees

Recent research highlights that human brain complexity arises from differences in gene expression, particularly in glial cells, compared to chimpanzees. Human brain cells show higher levels of gene activity, enhancing neural plasticity and development. Oligodendrocytes, a type of glial cell, are crucial for insulating neurons, allowing faster signaling. The study indicates that evolution of human intelligence involved changes across all brain cell types, not just neurons. This research utilized advanced techniques to analyze gene expression in individual cell types, revealing that 5-15% of genes showed differences between humans and chimpanzees. The findings suggest a more nuanced understanding of brain evolution.