Response to Comments by Timpson <i>et al</i> . and Yu <i>et al</i> .

Abstract

The lack of association of the abnormal spindle-like microcephaly associated ( ASPM ) and Microcephalin ( MCPH1 ) genes with brain size or intelligence described by Timpson et al . has been reported previously, including by our own group. Moreover, as in most studies of selection, our analyses were entirely independent of phenotypic association. We also respond to the previously published comment by Yu et al ., which argued that ASPM has not undergone positive selection.