|
Bats add their voice to the FOXP2 story
September 19, 2007When it comes to the FOXP2 gene, humans have had most to shout about. Discoveries that mutations in this gene lead to speech defects and that the gene underwent changes around the time language evolved both implicate FOXP2 in the evolution of human language. More recently, patterns of gene expression in birds, humans and rodents have suggested a wider role in the production of vocalisations. Yet numerous reports have established that FOXP2 shows very little genetic variation across even distantly related vertebrates - from reptiles to mammals - providing few extra clues as to the gene's role.
A new study, undertaken by a joint of team of British and Chinese scientists, has found that this gene shows unparalleled variation in echolocating bats. The results, appearing in a study published in the online, open-access journal PLoS ONE on September 19, report that FOXP2 sequence differences among bat lineages correspond well to contrasting forms of echolocation.
Like speech, bat echolocation involves producing complex vocal signals via sophisticated coordination of the mouth and face. The involvement of FOXP2 in the evolution of echolocation adds weighty support to the theory that FOXP2 functions in the sensory-motor coordination of vocalisations.
Public Library of Science
Public Library of Science
Language News and Current Language Events RSSNew 'everyday cognition' scale tracks how older adults function in daily life
As more adults age into the high-risk period for cognitive impairment, clinicians need simple and reliable methods to identify where they may have problems in everyday life that reveal underlying changes in the brain.
Are you a different person when you speak a different language?
People who are bicultural and speak two languages may actually shift their personalities when they switch from one language to another, according to new research in the Journal of Consumer Research.
Study evaluates factors associated with racial disparities in colon cancer screening
Blacks and Hispanics appear less likely to undergo colorectal cancer screening than whites because of socioeconomic, health care access and language barriers, according to a report in the June 23 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. However, other factors may contribute to screening disparities experienced by Asians.
Researchers find an evolutionarily preserved signature in the primate brain
Researchers have determined that there are hundreds of biological differences between the sexes when it comes to gene expression in the cerebral cortex of humans and other primates.
Carnegie Mellon system estimates geographic location of photos
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have devised the first computerized method that can analyze a single photograph and determine where in the world the image likely was taken. It's a feat made possible by searching through millions of GPS-tagged images in the Flickr online photo collection.
Study finds quality of California preschools falls short
More than half of California's preschoolers attend center-based early care and education programs, but the children who have the most to gain from preschool frequently are those least likely to participate in the programs, according to a new RAND Corporation study.
Fair and adequate reimbursement is vital to developing life-saving medical treatments
Reimbursement of molecular imaging and therapies-leading to the early detection and diagnosis of many life-threatening diseases-remains an urgent and critical need as consumers face ever-increasing healthcare costs.
New research shows how aging brain brings a healthy dose of perspective
A University of Alberta researcher in collaboration with researchers from Duke University has proven that wisdom really does come with age, at least when it comes to your emotions.
The latest research on allergies: Specific immunotherapy can help
he German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care has assessed recent evidence on allergies. It found that the once controversial immune therapy against allergy symptoms can definitely help many people with allergies.
Carnegie Mellon brain imaging study illustrates how remedial instruction helps poor readers
Just as a disciplined exercise regimen helps human muscles become stronger and perform better, specialized workouts for the brain can boost cognitive skills, according to Carnegie Mellon scientists.
More Language News Articles
 | The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho |
 | The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman |
 | The Daily Five: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades by Gail Boushey, Joan Moser |
 | What Every BODY is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed-Reading People by Joe Navarro, Marvin Karlins |
 | The Definitive Book of Body Language by Barbara Pease, Allan Pease |
 | Cocoa(R) Programming for Mac(R) OS X (3rd Edition) by Aaron Hillegass |
 | Easy Spanish Phrase Book: Over 770 Basic Phrases for Everyday Use (Dover Easy Phrase) |
 | The Elements of Style (Coyote Canyon Press Classics) by William Strunk |
 | Effective Java (2nd Edition) (The Java Series) by Joshua Bloch |
 | The Chicago Manual of Style |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |