After humans and chimpanzees diverged from a common ancestor more than five million years ago, unique genetic changes shaped the human brain, enabling language, advanced cognition, and complex behaviors. Daniela Soto aims to uncover the genetic basis of human brain evolution by studying human-specific forms of messenger RNA – molecules that help convert genetic information into functional proteins – using emerging long-read sequencing technologies. Her research not only illuminates how our brain evolved but also provides insights into neuropsychiatric conditions unique to humans.