Talking Animals? Study Discovers Speech Gene is Not Limited to Humans

Is there a possibility that other species besides human beings could talk too? A team of scientists has discovered that the specific gene for speech is also present in mice.

One of the most tangible things that set human beings apart from every other animal on the planet is the ability to communicate through speaking. Animals are well capable of using sounds and gestures in order to get a message across - however, only humans have devised a formal set of words used in conjunction with a formal set of rules.

Nevertheless, there has been much interest in the scientific community surrounding the possibility of animals speaking. Research in this area has been rife and robust. In fact, recently, a team of scientists from Duke University, have published a report that might just be the key to uncovering the secrets of speech.

In a journal article published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience as reported by Science Daily, Dr. Jonathan Chabout and the rest the team detailed the results of their observation surrounding a genetic mutation and the vocalization patterns of their mice test subjects. The specific gene, Forkhead box protein or FOXP2, is responsible for regulating speech productions in humans. Deficiencies with this gene make it difficult for individual to form complex syllables and sentences.

The investigation used 26 male mice bred to have the FOXP2 mutation and 24 wildtype male mice with normal levels of FOXP2. Based on the results of the experiment the scientists concluded that FOXP2 levels affect speech patterns of not just humans but all mammals.

In the light of the recent results, Dr. Erich Jarvis, principle investigator for the study, explains that there is much more to be discovered surrounding FOXP2 and its relation to speech. He ascertains that the gene has a much bigger role than what is previously assumed.

"We believe that FOXP2 already had a pre-existing role in regulating vocal communication before human language evolved" explained Jarvis as reported by Science Daily.