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The Knowledge Gene

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The Knowledge Gene

By: Lynne Kelly
Narrated by: Jessica Douglas-Henry
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Over 500,000 years ago, a single gene mutated. It spread over time, becoming critical in the journey transforming our earliest ancestors into fully modern humans, capable of navigating the entire planet and beyond. Then just a few thousand years ago, humans gradually outsourced knowledge to writing, and we displaced art and music from the heart of learning.

This is the extraordinary story of the discovery of a supergene that makes us uniquely human. Dr Lynne Kelly recounts how a widespread congenital disorder was the critical clue she and her collaborators needed to identify the gene that has long eluded researchers into human cognition.

The knowledge gene supercharged our ability to learn and share knowledge with others, explaining the prodigious memories of Indigenous people the world over. The discovery of the knowledge gene unlocks many other puzzles too. It explains for the first time why humans are the only species to make art, offers new insights into the earliest music and storytelling, and into the cognitive strengths of neurodivergent people.

The Knowledge Gene shows that we can all access the full power of our memories, without giving up any of the advantages of writing and technology. The implications for learning and creativity at any age are profound.©2024 Lynne Kelly (P)2024 W. F. Howes Ltd Biological Sciences Creativity Evolution & Genetics Genetics Neuroscience & Neuropsychology Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science
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The door we all need to have opened for us to understand the incredible capacity of our ancestors

Intriguing and inspiring

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Loved the thinking and positivity of this incredible book. It feels very well researched and accessible although some of the scientific stuff went over my head. Such a great read.

Fascinating

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Incredible listen! I particularly loved the neurodiversity chapter, especially as I’m neurodiverse myself, but everyone needs to hear it. As a scientist and artist I’ve long believed the two disciplines feed each other, Lynne Kelly writes a very compelling case as to why and how.

How neurodiversity, arts and sciences complement each other

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This is a fascinating and evidence-based account of our unique NF1 gene and how it has given humans an edge over other primates.

We have the ability to remember vast amounts of information through song, dance and art, skills we don’t fully utilise in our literate world.

This book follows the scientific journey that discovered this genetic material and how we can apply it to learn and remember more.

An evolutionary edge to learn and remember

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.