We have viruses to thank for our larger brains and bodies

Humans likely owe the evolution of our advanced brains to ancient retroviruses. — AFP

Ancient viruses that infected vertebrates hundreds of millions of years ago played a pivotal role in the evolution of our advanced brains and large bodies, said a study.

The research, published Feb 15 (2024) in the journal Cell, examined the origins of myelin, an insulating layer of fatty tissue that forms around nerves and allows electrical impulses to travel faster.