Nerds of the world, we may finally have a reason to celebrate -- and no, I am not talking about "Dungeon Siege" being made into a movie. Scientists have evidence that human beings are still evolving, according to an article in the Seattle Times.

According to Dr. Bruce Lahn, a scientist conducting genetic research with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, it is likely that "the growth of brain size and complexity . . . is still going on." There are at least 20 genes that go into the development of the gray, squishy stuff between our ears. Two of these genes, microcephalin and abnormal spindle-like, microcephaly-associated (ASPM), are both involved in brain size -- more specifically, the size of the cerebral cortex -- and are increasing in the world's population.

Lahn and his group think this increase is due to an escalation in evolutionary pressures. These pressures are no longer major environmental changes, but are "from an increasingly complex and technologically oriented society," said Lahn.

In other words, because we have little choice but to deal with more advanced technology, like computers, coffee-makers and Facebook, our brains have to continue to develop to keep up. It is not like in the days of the dinosaurs when, rather than keeping up with the latest version of Windows or Mac OS X (a la Leopard), we had to stay ahead of the critters with big teeth and sharp claws.

Some have criticized Lahn's findings as premature.

"The selection could be operating on any other not yet defined feature," said Dr. Francis S. Collins to The New York Times. It may be that ASPM and microcephalin provide some function other than increasing brain size.

Dr. Sarah Tishkoff told The New York Times that scientists aren't sure "what these alleles are doing." Tishkoff encourages tests to be run in order to determine whether or not the genes are being selected specifically for brain growth, or even if that is the genes' primary function.

But do not let these party-poopers get you down -- this is an exciting time for those of us who have been victims of that word that starts with an "n" and ends with an "erd." Why? Because nerds are better equipped to handle the rapid pace of technological advancement and expanding global consciousness.

If Lahn is right and these brain genes are being selected for brain growth, then I think the fashion industry should start designing larger hats. Seriously though, if our brains are, in fact, getting larger, it is no surprise; they have a lot more work to do with the increase in technology. It is important to keep in mind that this increase in brain genes has been occurring over the last fifty or sixty thousand years, and not everyone has the mutated genes that are in question.

According to Lahn's research, the ASPM mutation is found in only 30 percent of the world's population and the microcephalin mutation is found in only 70 percent of the world's population. It is interesting that there are scientists who argue that these genes, which are only known to provide brain growth functions, might be selected for some other reason. YouTube and reality shows are a good source of evidence for Lahn's critics' arguments.

So, what do you think? Could it be that the brains of the world will reign supremely victorious over the muscles of the world? Probably not. Is it really about who is better than whom? Not really. Even in this age of technology, brawn is needed. Maybe we will come out of this age with a better balance: not too brawny and not too brainy.