Two parallel neural ectoderm progenitors contribute to the developing brain

	Two parallel neural ectoderm progenitors contribute to the developing brain(med.stanford.edu)
	642 points by emigre 25 days ago \| 255 comments
	tl;dr: Stanford researchers found that the brain develops from two distinct progenitor cell populations—one expressing Otx2 (forebrain/midbrain) and another expressing Gbx2 (hindbrain)—that never overlap, overturning the long-held view of a single common origin. This parallel developmental pattern is conserved across chickens, zebrafish, and acorn worms, suggesting evolution fused two ancient nervous systems. The discovery enabled the team to successfully grow functional human hindbrain motor neurons in vitro for the first time, opening new research paths for ALS, SMA, and other brain stem disorders.
	HN Discussion: ↑The in vitro hindbrain cell growth breakthrough is the most exciting and impactful finding ↑Amazement at the dual-origin discovery and gaps in basic biological knowledge it reveals ↓The press release oversells and sensationalizes the actual research findings ↓The framing about 'primitive vs. human' brain parts echoes debunked reptilian brain myths •Contextualizing the finding within prior known research on Otx/Gbx divisions in primitive animals