A Window on the Genetics of Human Speech: The FOXP2 Gene

The development of human speech seems to be a species-specific and genetically determined capacity and is considered an extremely important step in the rise of modern humans, human culture and civilisation. The multidisciplinary efforts of psychiatrists, linguists and human geneticists led to the identification of genetic elements in cohorts of patients, performing speech and language disorders. A form of special language impairment (SLI) has been identified in the KE family in Britain, as a dominant, autosomal trait, affecting the family members in three generations. Molecular genetic studies revealed a mutation in the FOXP2 gene as possible basis of SLI in these patients. The unique, human variant of FOXP2 is shared with Neandertals, indicating a common, ancestral population 3-400,000 years ago. Imprecise imitation of the tutor’s song occurs in young canaries with lowered FoxP2 expression

Sustainable Management of Biomass Energy in Rural and Urban Context

The most sustainable energy is the energy not used. Best way to (not) use energy is the proper design of a facility or an energy consuming system. The remaining energy needs have to be covered with energy utilisation of waste materials, renewable energy sources and, until the previous solutions are not sufficient to satisfy the energy demands, the last is the use of conventional fossil and nuclear energy sources. In terms of renewable energy, biomass has an important role today. However, there is a difference between available inputs and utilisation when considering biomass energy possibilities in rural and urban context. This paper suggests biomass energy possibilities that are recommendable in rural context: possibilities of solid biomass combustion, of liquid biofuels and of anaerobe digestion. Also important are possibilities of solid biomass combustion and wet biomass digestion for urban energy production, although with some remarks on system considerations of urban biomass. Most advanced solutions for sustainable management of biomass energy include circular systems, both in rural and urban context, as recommended

Sustainable Management of Biomass Energy in Rural and Urban Context

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