'Residual echo' of ancient humans in scans may hold clues to mental disorders

(NIH/National Institute of Mental Health) Researchers have produced the first direct evidence that parts of our brains implicated in mental disorders may be shaped by a 'residual echo' from Neanderthal DNA in our genomes. Evidence from MRI scans suggests that such ancient genetic variation may affect the way our brains work today -- and may hold clues to understanding deficits seen in schizophrenia and autism-related disorders.
Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news