New Genetic Clues to the Mystery of Your Giant Brain

The video explores the genetic basis for the large size of human brains compared to other apes. It highlights the discovery of the Notch 2NL gene, which is unique to humans and plays a crucial role in increasing neuron numbers. The gene's evolutionary history is traced, showing its emergence around 3-4 million years ago. Notch 2NL influences neural stem cell behavior, promoting self-renewal and impacting brain size. The gene is linked to neurological disorders due to its location in a DNA region prone to replication errors. This discovery sheds light on both human brain evolution and certain disabilities.

Discuss the evolutionary implications of the Notch 2NL gene duplication mentioned in the text.

What are the potential consequences of deletions or duplications in the Notch 2NL gene region?