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DNA is the blueprint of life, containing information on how embryos take shape, and adult homeostasis. Interestingly, large regions of our DNA are conserved with evolutionarily distant, and morphologically distinct creatures. Then, how does common genetic information ultimately give rise to variation? Fascinated by this contrast, Knut is using sequence comparison and genome-wide association to examine conserved DNA regions. Knut employs genome engineering methods like “molecular scissors” to edit the genome, interpreting instructions on how to read the blueprint. In changing the way DNA is read, we can generate diversity. Amongst other quantitative traits, Knut is interested in genetic instructions describing the complexity of the primate brain. By understanding our genomes, Knut aims to shed light on evolution, development and disease; essentially, on what makes us human.