Story perspectives

CRISPR Reveals Genetic Switch Boosting Brain Development

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Duke University researchers identify HAR1984 as a regulatory DNA segment that acts as a genetic switch, boosting brain-cell production and cortex formation.
Using CRISPR editing on brain organoids, scientists found that human DNA in chimpanzee organoids increased neuron production, while the reverse decreased it.
The study highlights regulatory DNA's role in evolution and its potential links to neurodevelopmental conditions.
The findings suggest that understanding HARs could inform future medical research.

1 of 1

Story summary

Duke University researchers identify HAR1984 as a regulatory DNA segment that acts as a genetic switch, boosting brain-cell production and cortex formation.
Using CRISPR editing on brain organoids, scientists found that human DNA in chimpanzee organoids increased neuron production, while the reverse decreased it.
The study highlights regulatory DNA's role in evolution and its potential links to neurodevelopmental conditions.
The findings suggest that understanding HARs could inform future medical research.