Our studies indicate that the trend that is the defining characteristic of human evolution--the growth of brain size and complexity--is likely still going on. Meanwhile, our environment and the skills we need to survive in it are changing faster then we ever imagined. I would expect the human brain, which has done well by us so far, will continue to adapt to those changes.
More Quotes from Bruce Lahn:
I think a lot of people might consider humans to be at the pinnacle of evolutionary lineage -- that we have achieved an advanced state as a species, and we have basically become the end-game. But what we found indicates that the species -- particularly when it comes to the brain, which is perhaps our most defining feature -- is still evolving.Bruce Lahn
My concern is that this is going to become justification for prejudices against certain groups.
Bruce Lahn
The frequency of the gene increases because people who carry these genes are more fit and they have more kids. We think each gene conveys some sort of fitness advantage in brain biology. It could be an improved cognitive function or a personality trait. We're not sure. But we know whatever consequence they render is highly favored by selection.
Bruce Lahn
The jury is still out on what this means because we aren't entirely sure what these genes do. It's possible they just control size and shape of the brain, rather than cognition. But the data is pretty compelling that the brain is evolving.
Bruce Lahn
People like to think of modern human biology, and especially mental biology, as being the result of selections that took place 100,000 years ago. But our research shows that humans are still under selection, not just for things like disease resistance but
Bruce Lahn
In another 10,000 or 20,000 years, I think the human brain may acquire a form that is quite different than the human brain today. Not necessarily in its shape, which may remain relatively the same. But the function may be different. It may be, on average, a little smarter. Or it may acquire certain skills that in its current form it isn't well-equipped to handle -- advanced cognitive abilities such as abstract reasoning. We don't really know for sure how -- but we are still evolving.
Bruce Lahn
Readers Who Like This Quotation Also Like:
Based on Topics: Brain Quotes, Change Quotes, Mind QuotesEven the knowledge of my own fallibility cannot keep me from making mistakes. Only when I fall do I get up again.
Vincent Van Gogh
It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.
Tony Robbins
The love we give away is the only love we keep.
Elbert Hubbard