Researchers have discovered a new gene, which is unique to humanoid primates like Neanderthals and modern humans and was not present in simian ancestors such as chimpanzees. This genetic marker is considered to have led to rapid increase in the size of the human brain.

Study's lead researcher Marta Florio from the Max Planck Institute said the gene seems to have triggered neocortex, a region of the brain, to produce larger number of neurons. It is considered that the gene in early humanoid ancestors could have led to advanced cognition like tool-making, language, and other developments.

Florio said that she was amazingly stunned to know about this tiny gene having such a huge impact on stem cell phenotypes that led to the neocortex expanding. Though the gene is surely associated with increased neuron growth, there are chances that there were many genes that were working in tandem to make primate brains turn into the ones that are present today.

Neocortex is quite an interesting region of the brain as it is considered to root of all cognitive skills. It includes logical thought process, language and the ability to come up with complex hierarchical structures.

"The neocortex is so interesting because that's the seat of cognitive abilities, which, in a way, make us human - like language and logical thinking", said Florio.

As per the researchers, the gene has developed after chimpanzees split from the primate evolution path. Neurobiologist Victor Borrell affirmed that the study is quite vital as it broadened their understanding of the developmental emergence of human uniqueness.

The researchers said they were testing the significance of gene ARHGAP11B in human evolutionary development. It was then found that it is important to humans' large neocortex.