Study reveals striking differences in brains of modern humans and Neanderthals

Results believed to be first compelling evidence that modern humans were cognitively better than Neanderthals

Neanderthals have long been portrayed as our dim-witted, thuggish cousins. Now groundbreaking research has - while not confirmed the stereotype - revealed striking differences in the brain development of modern humans and Neanderthals.

The study involved inserting a Neanderthal brain gene into mice, ferrets and mini brain" structures called organoids, grown in the lab from human stem cells. The experiments revealed that the Neanderthal version of the gene was linked to slower creation of neurons in the brain's cortex during development, which scientists said could explain superior cognitive abilities in modern humans.