Gene That 'Switches On' Ability To Speak Found By University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Scientists
AP -- WASHINGTON — Chimps, our nearest relative, don't talk. We do. Now scientists have pinpointed a mutation in a gene that might help explain the difference. The mutation seems to have helped humans develop speech and language. It's probably not the only gene involved, but researchers found the gene looks and acts differently in chimps and humans, according to a study published online Wednesday by the journal Nature.