This is not just biology, it’s our history. It wasn’t just the syncytial trophoblast that created placental birth, don’t forget the Arc-1 “thinking gene” that exchanges information between synapses the same way viruses infect hosts. Both placental birth and intelligence have viral origins. I wonder what else we can find if we keep digging?
Been distracted, so I’m late to the party on this one. But this is so totally fascinating! Excellent read, Gunnar.
Thank, you, Danielle.
Excellent piece of writing. I will read it many times. x
Thanks, Alison! I hope you enjoy it every time.
Marvellous stuff, Gunnar. Thank you.
Thanks!
This is not just biology, it’s our history. It wasn’t just the syncytial trophoblast that created placental birth, don’t forget the Arc-1 “thinking gene” that exchanges information between synapses the same way viruses infect hosts. Both placental birth and intelligence have viral origins. I wonder what else we can find if we keep digging?
Absolutely. That’s another great example. I’m sure more will turn up as we scour larger genetic databases.
Well done. It’s great to bring this to public attention so we all see the great Web of life unfold in such mysterious and intriguing ways.