Multiple copies of a mystery gene may make us human

[Mr. McD]

A newly discovered mystery gene may have helped build the modern human brain, researchers report today.

http://www.nature.com/news/2006/060828/full/060828-5.html

[CoffeeCat]

1. Also...this just in...

Scientists have discovered that George Bush lacks this newly discovered mystery gene. Upon further inspection of his DNA, the space that should contain the mystery gene is filled with alfredo sauce.

[leveymg]

2. Here's a specimen that lacks sufficient copies (PIC)

[SmokingJacket]

3. Maybe it's the "soul" gene! nt

[mzteris]

4. I can't get the article.

wah.

Can you provide just a bit more info about it?


Have you ever read about some of the world's earliest mythology - Sumerian, I think - that refers to some "off-planet" species that came to earth. They genetically altered the most "human-like" species in order to breed with them.

The "woman" doctor who did this became a "god" in this early mythology - whose symbol - interestingly enough - looks like the DNA double helix and it was from there that the cadeusus symbol evolved...

Other trivia about this mythology (for those still reading :) ) :

The "original aliens" had VERY LONG life spans, the blended species did at first, but as generations passed, you saw shorter life spans.

The stories also say that these earlier species had "special powers" - that became increasingly diluted over the generations. That they "migrated" to Persia predominately. That "Mary (mother of Jesus) was related (how they figured this out, I don't know....) and that his "powers" were a throwback to this alien species.



OK - I know this is way beyond the realm of "Science" - BUT - if you consider the "gene splicing" aspect of the mythology and this "mystery gene" that developed the "HUMAN" brain - then - well - I just thought it was interesting. :blush:

[qazplm]

5. if all that were true

one wonders why we didnt have things back then like, oh, I dunno, electricty, you'd think the aliens might have access to tech like that. ;_