Thread

1. itvision · 1789800711 · focus · HN ↗

   What a way to oversell the discovery.

   The reality is:

       * Different brain regions have different functions: ancient knowledge.
       * Different regions contain distinct cell types and molecular programs: also well established.
       * Anterior and posterior brain structures may trace back to fundamentally separate progenitor lineages that were independently specified very early in evolution and development: that's the interesting new result.
   

   The headline should have been: "Human forebrain and hindbrain arise from distinct embryonic progenitor lineages" - not that we have "two organs" in the brain.

   1. sandeepkd · 1789801139 · focus · HN ↗

      Though I agree with the detailed differentiation, still for the headline purpose a generic one that resonates with people easily isn't a bad choice

      1. TeMPOraL · 1789810162 · focus · HN ↗

         I think "Human brain evolved from two separate organs" would've been more accurate and sufficiently simple/short for a headline, but I guess it won't fly either due to political reasons.

         1. locknitpicker · 1789824038 · focus · HN ↗

            > I think "Human brain evolved from two separate organs" would've been more accurate and sufficiently simple/short for a headline, but I guess it won't fly either due to political reasons.

            I don't agree. For that you need to distort the definition of what an organ is to comply the requirement for two separate organs with distinct origin, genetic, and biochemical traits, and different function and responsibilities to somehow remain classified as the same organ.

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