The Evolution of Big Brains: How Human Neurons Adapted to Size and Stress

Unlocking the Genetic Secrets Behind Human Brain Expansion

The evolution of the human brain, characterized by its unparalleled size and complexity, has come with significant trade-offs. A recent study¹ illuminates how human neurons, specifically those producing dopamine, evolved unique mechanisms to cope with the energy demands and stress associated with a large brain. This research not only sheds light on the neurological adaptations that underpin human cognition but also offers potential insights into treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.

Human brains are three times the size of those of chimpanzees, our closest relative in the animal kingdom. Scientists are now comparing our brains to find out more about this divergence. Credit: Aida Gómez-Robles and José Manuel De La Cuétara.