Slow-growing progenitor cells cause smooth brains in common marmosets

Summary

Researchers at Germany’s German Primate Center used brain organoids and selected fetal brain-tissue experiments to study why common marmosets develop smaller, nearly smooth cerebral cortices while many primates develop larger, folded brains. They found that several neural progenitor-cell differences contribute, including slower division, simpler cellular structures, and a shorter period of rapid proliferation. These changes reduce neuron production and cortical growth. The findings, published in Science Advances, may improve understanding of primate brain evolution and human neurodevelopmental disorders, although the study does not establish direct clinical applications.