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    Rachel Reeves decision to axe two-child benefit cap would impact millions of Scottish families

    Rachel Reeves decision to axe two-child benefit cap would impact millions of Scottish families

    Anas Sarwar’s woes are about to get worse but Labour still has path to victory

    Anas Sarwar’s woes are about to get worse but Labour still has path to victory

    Seagull summit goes ahead days after SNP minister was forced to quit in row over feathered menaces

    Seagull summit goes ahead days after SNP minister was forced to quit in row over feathered menaces

    Scotland becoming more intolerant amid immigration debate, warns Humza Yousaf

    Scotland becoming more intolerant amid immigration debate, warns Humza Yousaf

    Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

    Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

    Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

    Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

    Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

    Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

    MSPs should ‘go through vetting’ to be alone with kids after Colin Smyth charges

    MSPs should ‘go through vetting’ to be alone with kids after Colin Smyth charges

    MSP Colin Smyth denies hiding secret camera in Scottish Parliament toilet

    MSP Colin Smyth denies hiding secret camera in Scottish Parliament toilet

    Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

    Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

    Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

    Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

    SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

    SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

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      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

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      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

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      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

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      Brendan Rodgers knows my one Celtic regret but he’s the best I’ve worked under and a true perfectionist

      Brendan Rodgers knows my one Celtic regret but he’s the best I’ve worked under and a true perfectionist

      Hearts chief demands ‘calm’ amid Rangers pile on as Celtic title tilt sparks knowing warning

      Hearts chief demands ‘calm’ amid Rangers pile on as Celtic title tilt sparks knowing warning

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      Ex Man Utd star faces prison for failure to pay child maintenance

      Dermot Desmond to ‘take a lead’ in Celtic fan row and ditch golden rule for first time in three years

      Dermot Desmond to ‘take a lead’ in Celtic fan row and ditch golden rule for first time in three years

      Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

      Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

      Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

      Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

      Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

      Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

      Union Bears torch Green Brigade gear as Celtic ultras targeted by gloating Rangers rivals

      Union Bears torch Green Brigade gear as Celtic ultras targeted by gloating Rangers rivals

      Kieron Bowie touted for Rangers transfer if key hurdle can be cleared

      Kieron Bowie touted for Rangers transfer if key hurdle can be cleared

      Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

      Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

      Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

      Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

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      Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

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        Sky Mobile throws in £210 freebies with Samsung’s new £9 Apple iPad rival

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        Scottish siblings diagnosed with the same terminal illness that killed their dad

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        Signs of depression in later life and how to recognise them, according to experts

        Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

        Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

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        Debenhams cuts price of ‘beautiful’ £845 watch perfect for Christmas gifting to £99

        Debenhams cuts price of ‘beautiful’ £845 watch perfect for Christmas gifting to £99

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        Next shoppers ‘absolutely love’ £34 teddy fleece that’s ‘very cosy’

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        UK watchdog issues new car finance update on possible £1,100 compensation payout due next year

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        New update on calls for monthly State Pension payments of £2,344 for people over 60

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        Jet2 announce new check-in change for Scots travellers

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        Welsh council explains how and when schools will search pupils for weapons

        Welsh council explains how and when schools will search pupils for weapons

        Best universities in Wales and the UK named in prestigious rankings

        Best universities in Wales and the UK named in prestigious rankings

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        Primary schools in one part of Wales propose big change for parents

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        International students warned of deportation if they overstay their visa

        The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

        The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

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        Rachel Reeves decision to axe two-child benefit cap would impact millions of Scottish families

        Rachel Reeves decision to axe two-child benefit cap would impact millions of Scottish families

        Anas Sarwar’s woes are about to get worse but Labour still has path to victory

        Anas Sarwar’s woes are about to get worse but Labour still has path to victory

        Seagull summit goes ahead days after SNP minister was forced to quit in row over feathered menaces

        Seagull summit goes ahead days after SNP minister was forced to quit in row over feathered menaces

        Scotland becoming more intolerant amid immigration debate, warns Humza Yousaf

        Scotland becoming more intolerant amid immigration debate, warns Humza Yousaf

        Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

        Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

        Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

        Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

        Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

        Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

        MSPs should ‘go through vetting’ to be alone with kids after Colin Smyth charges

        MSPs should ‘go through vetting’ to be alone with kids after Colin Smyth charges

        MSP Colin Smyth denies hiding secret camera in Scottish Parliament toilet

        MSP Colin Smyth denies hiding secret camera in Scottish Parliament toilet

        Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

        Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

        Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

        Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

        SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

        SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

        Trending Tags

        • Business

          Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

        • Sports
          Brendan Rodgers knows my one Celtic regret but he’s the best I’ve worked under and a true perfectionist

          Brendan Rodgers knows my one Celtic regret but he’s the best I’ve worked under and a true perfectionist

          Hearts chief demands ‘calm’ amid Rangers pile on as Celtic title tilt sparks knowing warning

          Hearts chief demands ‘calm’ amid Rangers pile on as Celtic title tilt sparks knowing warning

          Ex Man Utd star faces prison for failure to pay child maintenance

          Ex Man Utd star faces prison for failure to pay child maintenance

          Dermot Desmond to ‘take a lead’ in Celtic fan row and ditch golden rule for first time in three years

          Dermot Desmond to ‘take a lead’ in Celtic fan row and ditch golden rule for first time in three years

          Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

          Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

          Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

          Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

          Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

          Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

          Union Bears torch Green Brigade gear as Celtic ultras targeted by gloating Rangers rivals

          Union Bears torch Green Brigade gear as Celtic ultras targeted by gloating Rangers rivals

          Kieron Bowie touted for Rangers transfer if key hurdle can be cleared

          Kieron Bowie touted for Rangers transfer if key hurdle can be cleared

          Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

          Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

          Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

          Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

          Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

          Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            ‘Compact’ power bank that is ‘perfect for on the go’ drops to £29 in limited time deal

            ‘Compact’ power bank that is ‘perfect for on the go’ drops to £29 in limited time deal

            Sky Mobile throws in £210 freebies with Samsung’s new £9 Apple iPad rival

            Sky Mobile throws in £210 freebies with Samsung’s new £9 Apple iPad rival

            NASA announces breakthrough discovery suggesting life on Mars

            NASA announces breakthrough discovery suggesting life on Mars

            Sir James Dyson unveils new AI robot vacuum in a bid to help households to clean with ease

            Sir James Dyson unveils new AI robot vacuum in a bid to help households to clean with ease

            Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

            Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

          • Health
            NHS doctor shares common mistake people make at GP appointments

            NHS doctor shares common mistake people make at GP appointments

            ‘Our son, 18, died when curly hair hid deadly disease – now we’re taking action’

            ‘Our son, 18, died when curly hair hid deadly disease – now we’re taking action’

            Scottish siblings diagnosed with the same terminal illness that killed their dad

            Scottish siblings diagnosed with the same terminal illness that killed their dad

            Signs of depression in later life and how to recognise them, according to experts

            Signs of depression in later life and how to recognise them, according to experts

            Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

            Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

          • Entertainment
            Debenhams cuts price of ‘beautiful’ £845 watch perfect for Christmas gifting to £99

            Debenhams cuts price of ‘beautiful’ £845 watch perfect for Christmas gifting to £99

            Next shoppers ‘absolutely love’ £34 teddy fleece that’s ‘very cosy’

            Next shoppers ‘absolutely love’ £34 teddy fleece that’s ‘very cosy’

            UK watchdog issues new car finance update on possible £1,100 compensation payout due next year

            UK watchdog issues new car finance update on possible £1,100 compensation payout due next year

            New update on calls for monthly State Pension payments of £2,344 for people over 60

            New update on calls for monthly State Pension payments of £2,344 for people over 60

            Jet2 announce new check-in change for Scots travellers

            Jet2 announce new check-in change for Scots travellers

          • Life Style
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          • Education
            Welsh council explains how and when schools will search pupils for weapons

            Welsh council explains how and when schools will search pupils for weapons

            Best universities in Wales and the UK named in prestigious rankings

            Best universities in Wales and the UK named in prestigious rankings

            Primary schools in one part of Wales propose big change for parents

            Primary schools in one part of Wales propose big change for parents

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            International students warned of deportation if they overstay their visa

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            The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

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          What the unique shape of the human heart tells us about our evolution

          by BP Author
          August 20, 2024
          in World
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          Mammals, from the mighty blue whale to the tiny shrew, inhabit nearly every corner of our planet. Their remarkable adaptability to different environments has long fascinated scientists, with each species developing unique traits to survive and thrive.

          Despite such vast biological diversity, it was believed until recently that the structure and function of the heart across mammals was the same. But research from my colleagues and I reveals that the human heart is an outlier, distinctly different from those of our closest relatives, the great apes, including chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans and gorillas.

          So, why are humans the odd ones out?

          Humans diverged from chimpanzees (Pan Troglodytes), our last common ancestor, between five and six million years ago. In contrast, people evolved to stand upright to engage in greater amounts of activity, such as persistence hunting. And we have developed considerably larger brains.

          These changes to humans’ bodies were associated with a much greater metabolic demand, requiring more blood to be pumped to our muscles and brain. Our research suggests that the human heart has adapted to support our upright stance, movement and larger brain.

          Over the last ten years, we have been conducting assessments of the cardiovascular system of great apes across the globe. We have been fortunate enough to work with dedicated veterinarians and care staff in the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia. An important aspect of these assessments has been the use of cardiac ultrasound through which we can assess the structure and function of the heart, how large it is and how the muscle contracts, twists and rotates.

          Our previous research has suggested that the structure of the human heart may be different to that of the chimpanzee. Using cardiac ultrasound, we discovered that the left ventricle – the heart’s main pumping chamber – in chimpanzees contains bundles of muscles arranged in a mesh known as “trabeculations”.

          An illustration comparing the heart trabeculation of great apes.
          Comparison of left ventricular trabeculation across great apes.
          Aimee Drane, Author provided (no reuse)

          For our current study, we wanted to examine if trabeculations exist in the other great apes, which we found that they do. In contrast, humans have a smooth wall of the left ventricle. This difference is especially pronounced at the bottom of the left ventricle, where the human heart’s smoothness is nearly four times greater than that of our great ape relatives.

          Our research didn’t just reveal structural differences in the human left ventricle compared to that of the great apes; we also uncovered a important difference in function. By using a specialised technique called “speckle-tracking echocardiography”, which tracks heart muscle movement during contraction and relaxation, we examined how the muscle thickens, twists, rotates and lengthens.

          The results were striking. Humans, who have the least trabeculation, exhibited much greater twist and rotation at the apex (the tip of the heart) during contraction. In contrast, non-human great apes, with their heavily trabeculated hearts, showed much less movement.

          An illustration showing the relationship between trabeculatoin and left ventricular function.
          The relationship between markers of left ventricular function and trabeculation in great apes.
          Aimee Drane, Author provided (no reuse)

          We believe the human heart evolved away from the trabeculated structure seen in the other great apes to enhance its ability to twist and contract more efficiently. This increased twisting motion, along with the smooth ventricular walls, probably allows the human heart to pump a larger volume of blood with each beat. This meets the heightened demands of our physical activity and larger brains.

          Our research challenges the assumption that heart structure is uniform across mammals. Instead, subtle but crucial differences in heart anatomy and function have emerged in response to unique environmental challenges.

          Cardiac disease

          While our current research has shed light on the evolution of the human heart, our work analysing the hearts of endangered great apes continues. Sadly, cardiac disease is the leading cause of death in captive great apes.

          Unlike humans, great apes do not appear to develop coronary artery disease. Rather, their heart muscle undergoes a fibrotic, or thickening, process which causes poor contraction and a susceptibility to arrythmia, which is a problem with the rhythm of the heartbeat. The cause of this disease is unknown. So, we at the International Primate Heart Project have been conducting assessments of great ape cardiovascular physiology across the globe to further understand the disease.

          Before our involvement, little was known about the normal cardiovascular physiology of great apes. Through collaboration with veterinary practitioners, our research has generated vital data, significantly improving our understanding of human heart evolution, as well as the understanding, diagnosis and management of heart disease in great apes.



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