SlashNOT

Matthew writes: In a trio of papers published in Science magazine, scientists have pinpointed three genes whose genetic mutations map to significant advances in civilization because they allow humans to grow relatively large heads.

The first gene, known as Microcephalin, is responsible for determining the size of the brain. This gene first appeared 37,000 years ago, at a time when weapon use, music, and spirituality first became apparent in humans.

The second gene, ASPM, works in conjunction with Microcephalin and appeared 5,700 years ago, at the point when civilization arose from agricultural communities.

The third gene, MBS, is responsible for abnormally large egos. A new mutation of this gene appeared just 35 years ago, presaging important technological advances such as blogging for no apparent audience, instant messaging to strangers, spam, and online dating services. It is also responsible for a comforting feeling that one is important to humanity despite evidence to the contrary.