Brain evolved from two primitive nervous systems merged together, Stanford study finds
AnnaCiaunica · x · 2026-09-20
- A Stanford team led by Kyle Loh found that the forebrain/midbrain and hindbrain develop from two distinct progenitor cell types in embryos — one expressing OTX2, the other GBX2 — across humans, mice and other species, contradicting the assumption of a shared origin.
- The finding suggests our brain is a hybrid of two ancient nervous systems fused spatially hundreds of millions of years ago, with evolution relying on this primordial two-piece construction rather than a more efficient single organ.
Related event: Stanford Study Suggests the Brain Is Two Independent Organs Merged(3 posts)→
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