New studies have revealed that ancient viruses, which became a part of the DNA of jawed vertebrates, played a vital role in the development of myelin. Myelin allows for swift impulse conduction without the need to increase the diameter of nerve cells. This made it possible for nerves to be packed together more closely and grow longer, which was beneficial for both larger body sizes and more complex brains.

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https://www.sciencenews.org/article/ancient-retrovirus-myelin-speedy-nerves-evolve