Researchers were surprised to learn that the DNA sequences of human and chimpanzee genes are nearly identical, so what is responsible for the many differences between the two species? Here’s why we want to find out: Chimps get MUCH LESS cancer than we do.

For years, scientists believed the vast differences between humans and chimpanzees would be easily explained, but when their genomes were sequenced, researchers discovered that the insertion and deletion of large pieces of DNA near genes are highly variable between humans and chimpanzees and this may account for major differences between the two species.
read more

We have experimented on animals to find cures for humans, but we’ve also brought human cures to animals. Does this make it an even exchange? Cleveland Zoo primate curator Chris Kuhar says, "Animals have long been used as models for human research. (Now we are) flipping that, using human research to help animals." The April 1st edition of "The Week" magazine reports that when scientists compared chimp DNA genome with ours (chimp and human DNA are 96% the same), they expected to find EXTRA human genes that make us unique. Instead they found that we are MISSING some of the genes that chimpanzees have.
read more

So why don’t they? – Researchers who are studying communication in animals, in order to improve their understanding of how language develops in humans, want to know: Why are we the only animals who talk?

If humans are genetically related to chimps, why did our brains develop the innate ability for language and speech while theirs did not? Scientists suspect that part of the answer to the mystery lies in a gene called FOXP2. When mutated, FOXP2 can disrupt speech and language in humans. A new study reveals major differences between how the human and chimp versions of FOXP2 work, perhaps explaining why language is unique to humans.
read more

Humans and chimpanzees are almost identical genetically, andwe often act alike as well. We recently wrote aboutants that aresuper-efficient farmers. Now it turns out there are primatepolice. Monkeys also like to scratch each other?s backs ANDmonkeys are willing to pay for sex.

Bjorn Carey writes in LiveScience.com about new researchthat reveals that monkey cops help make their fellowprimates behave through intimidation and seniority (likehuman police). If you remove the primate police from agroup, the rest of the groups gets more violent andaggressive. One of the ways they keep order is by getting inbetween warring groups or by chasing misbehaving monkeys away.
read more