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Index 2008
Medical Research Council, Heroes of Health: 100 years of lifechanging discoveries
Celebrating 100 years of the Medical Research Council (pdf version of the printed document)
New brain gene born, study shows : November 2012
Scientists have taken a step forward in helping to solve one of life’s greatest mysteries - what makes us human?
An international team of researchers have discovered a new gene that helps explain how humans evolved from apes.
Scientists say the gene - called miR-941 - appears to have played a crucial role in human brain development and may shed light on how we learned to use tools and language.
Researchers say it is the first time that a new gene - carried only by humans and not by apes - has been shown to have a specific function within the human body.
Unique finding
A team at the University of Edinburgh compared the human genome to 11 other species of mammals, including chimpanzees, gorillas, mouse and rat, to find the differences between them.
The results, published in Nature Communications, showed that the gene - miR-941 - is unique to humans.
The researchers say that it emerged between six and one million years ago, after humans had evolved from apes.
The gene is highly active in two areas of the brain that control our decision making and language abilities.
The study suggests it could have a role in the advanced brain functions that make us human.
Startling results
It is known that most differences between species occur as a result of changes to existing genes, or the duplication and deletion of genes.
But scientists say this gene emerged fully functional out of non-coding genetic material, previously termed “junk DNA”, in a startlingly brief interval of evolutionary time.
Until now, it has been remarkably difficult to see this process in action.
Researcher Dr Martin Taylor, who led the study at the Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, said the results were fascinating.
This new molecule sprang from nowhere at a time when our species was undergoing dramatic changes: living longer, walking upright, learning how to use tools and how to communicate. We’re now hopeful that we will find more new genes that help show what makes us human.
Dr Martin Taylor Programme leader, Biomedical Systems Analysis
The team worked with scientists in China and Germany. The study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Medical Research Council.
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Amazing Science: December 2012
The IGMM was proud to recently open its doors to Senior pupils from Edinburgh's Broughton High School for a visit to witness and experience some of the world-leading research being conducted at the newly formed institute, right on their doorstep.
The event involved IGMM scientists showcasing examples of their work, including mutation screens with nematode worms, fluorescent gene fusions in understanding eye development, the use of computer science in biological research, identifying mutations in human diseases, and the application of both physics and computer science in biological imaging such as microCT and optical projection tomography. The event was a great success and the students really enjoyed themselves and were very engaged, showing great understanding and asking some very challenging questions of our researchers.
The students, currently studying Higher Grade Sciences, were invited through an initiative developed by Dave Cockburn at BHS and Dr Joe Rainger of The IGMM, who felt that giving them the opportunity to see cutting-edge science conducted by real-life scientists could enthuse them into considering scientific careers and choosing to study sciences at a higher level. Future similar events are planned to continue and develop the link between the school and the institute in the New Year, this time engaging with younger pupils to encourage them into choosing science subjects at standard grade level.
