Scientists find brain evolution gene

I was talking with Nosy about this and sent him a link to the article as it appears at livescience. He had mentioned the small segments in a discussion here some time ago and IIRC had said it would be interesting to see what developed in their study.There is another article today about some new ifformation about the process that turns on some of our activity daile. It can be read at Livesciences as well.The LiveSciences report on the gene segments can be found here.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Well, as a theist and Christian, I see nothing there that hints of design. In fact, I see just the opposite. What I see is an indication that small changes can have major results. Also, I see an example of why we might see major changes over relatively short periods of time that seem astounding if all we look at is the physical remains.Each mutation is by definition "unusual". Here we see a first glimpse into one possible such unusual change. Also, we are looking back at a history of what happened. To look at it and say "Wow, something designed us to be smart" makes as little sense to me as saying "Wow, look how something designed the universe to be perfect for us."The other thing you mention is "stress". Remember, there are at least two sides to evolution. There are the changes, but there is also the filter. In this instance I read the mention of "stress" as relating to the filter, the screening part of evolution. Often these two side can become a series of driving forces. When some early primate moved out of its normal ecological niche those with slightly larger brains may have done better which allowed some of them to move into yet another niche where the filter was different and only some with a still larger brain got through which allowed them to move into yet another niche where ...Systems can be self reinforcing. There can be positve feedback that leads to very rapid change. In this case I see examples of just that, a rapid increase in brain size accompanied by rapid expansion into a variety of ecological and geographic niche and a rapid development of ancilary inventions such as tools, religion, domesticated animals, art and food sources.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

I think the difference in the WOW factor is more a point of view.The only reason we are even looking at the HAR1 sequence is that we are the product of the HAR1 sequence.The universe is the same thing.It is not perfectly suited to us, rather we are suited to it.The mutation really is not that unusual. If is not some new mechanism, some unique methodology of change. It is an area that evolved rapidly and we can see other evidences that add support to both the changes and to what drove the changes.Since it really is NOT, or at least to me does not seem inexplicable, why bring in the Hand of God?

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Well, no, I would not say it is opinion at all. The Universe was around long before there were any humans, and will be around long after any humans are but dust. Why?Why conclude it is here? What is different here? Other than the rapidity of the change what is different? And if GOD is going to step in and intervene, why do it in a way that will take millions of years to resolve?

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

That seems to me to hold several hidden assumptions. First is that humans are some desired end product, something special. I simply see no reason to think that is the case. Second, that makes God a very, very cruel critter. The hidden premise is still there and it gets worse. Now the 99.many9s% of critters that came before us are simply stepping stones to you? To me? Nothing but mulch for the garden.I find that presumptious and to run counter to all that we know. First off, if the past is any indicator, life will continue. Even humans will evolve. And we are not some end point, in fact not even a high point in the life that preceeded us and share this earth with us. Many other criiters have been far more successful, have been around longer and will likely be around long after we are gone. Well, if we ever have a thread where that seems pertinent maybe we will get into it. This thread though is pretty narrow, and in the item under discussion I see no need or justification for bringing in some outside guiding hand.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Yes.....and no.We believe that Jesus came and walked with us as a human. What we don't know is whether GOD did the same for canines. I've always wondered about Akela.Again, that is a human centric view. I believe GOD speaks to His critters in a way they can understand. GOD reaching out to us does not mean GOD has not and does not reach out to all critters.But again, that still has little to do with this news item. There is nothing that I can see in there that requires outside intervention.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Why not then use metaphysical intervention in other cases? Why chose this one instead of others?Is it possible that the reason is simply that it makes us something special? Is there something unique about this report? So far I have not seen that beyond the facts that it involves humans, involves what we consider to be a significant difference and might be a reason for the theists among us to say, "See we are special."

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion