A key to understanding the origin of human intelligence has been found

The placenta may play a key role in understanding the origin of human intelligence and neurodiversity, including autism. This conclusion was reached by neurobiologist Alex Tsompanidis, whose work was published in the journal Brain Medicine.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to Brain Medicine, the scientist noted that the traditional view of the placenta as a "passive filter" is outdated: the organ actively regulates brain development through steroid hormones - testosterone and estrogens.

"The placenta has enormous potential, as its condition can be studied at birth. This opens the way for early screening and support for children with developmental characteristics," emphasized Tsompanidis.

The researcher links the work of the placenta not only to individual differences in brain development but also to the evolution of cognitive functions in Homo sapiens. In his opinion, it was placental adaptations that could have contributed to the formation of large brains, speech, social behavior, and abstract thinking in humans.

Currently, Tsompanidis works in an international team led by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen with support from the Simons Foundation. Scientists are studying the common biological mechanisms linking pregnancy complications and neurodevelopmental features, including sex differences, which are most noticeable in autism.

The scientist emphasizes: his approach is not aimed at finding "pathology," but at recognizing autism as a natural part of the spectrum of human neurodiversity.

According to him, new research may change not only the diagnosis of autism but also the general understanding of how the human mind was formed.