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Although higher mammals have unique brain structures, including the outer subventricular zone (OSVZ) and the inner fiber layer of the cerebral cortex, the mechanisms underlying the formation and abnormalities of these structures are sill largely unknown. This has mainly been because genetic manipulations that can be applied to higher mammals were poorly available. Kawasaki et al. (doi:10.1242/bio.20123160) developed a rapid and efficient genetic manipulation procedure for gyrencephalic carnivore ferrets. Uncovering the physiological importance and dysfunction of the OSVZ using their technique would contribute to understanding the human brain and its diseases.