A genetic change caused by an ancient viral infection may have contributed to differences in brain development between humans and chimpanzees.
Researchers identified a DNA sequence from an ancient retrovirus, known as PTERV1, in the chimpanzee genome, publishing their findings in Science Advances.
The sequence is absent in humans and appears to switch off a gene involved in the development of brain cells. The researchers found that the gene is active during human brain development and plays a role in neuronal maturation and the growth of axons.
Science Alert has more on this research.