News Humans

Missing bits of DNA may define humans

Genetic information lost along the way led to bigger brains, spineless penises

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

In evolution as on reality TV, sometimes the biggest loser is really a winner.

DELETED DNA Humans have lost pieces of influential DNA, impacting the activity of genes that, in mice, help keep brains small (left; blue spots indicate gene activity in developing mouse embryo) and form penile spines (right).