The findings are part of a larger effort by the research team to explore differences in primate brains. In another Current Biology report published last year, they compared brain development in chimps versus humans via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of three growing chimpanzees from the age of six months to six years (see http://www..org/pub_releases/2011-08/cp-lhc_1080511.php).
"Elucidating these differences in the developmental patterns of brain structure between humans and great apes will provide important clues to understand the remarkable enlargement of the modern human brain and humans' sophisticated behavior," Sakai said.
The researchers say they now hope to explore fetal development in particular parts of the brain, including the forebrain, which is critical for decision making, self-awareness, and creativity.
This movie shows a pregnant chimpanzee undergoing an ultrasound imaging procedure to explore brain growth in her fetus.
(Photo Credit: Current Biology, Sakai et al.: Fetal brain development in chimpanzees versus humans)
The image shows a 3D ultrasound of a chimp in the womb.
(Photo Credit: Current Biology, Sakai et al.: Fetal brain development in chimpanzees versus humans)
Source: Cell Press