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Broad Institute

·September 1, 2023·7 min read

Gene Mutation Sheds Light on Schizophrenia Mysteries

Scientists developed a mouse model that carries a genetic mutation linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia. By studying the Grin2a gene, they found significant changes in gene expression, brain cell activity, and neurotransmitter signaling.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 12, 2023·7 min read

Synaptic Clues Blur Line Between Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Researchers found compelling molecular evidence suggesting that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, traditionally viewed as distinct conditions, may have more similarities than previously thought. By examining thousands of proteins present at synapses in the brains of patients with each disorder, they found changes that were remarkably alike. The team also discovered similar biochemical alterations in mice with a mutated gene linked to both conditions. The study reveals the shared molecular roots of these conditions and points to the synapse as a critical area of study for psychiatric disorders.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 30, 2023·6 min read

Uncovering the Human Genome’s Secrets: 240 Mammalian Species Shed Light on What Makes Us Unique

Researchers analyzed the DNA sequences from 240 mammalian species, showing how comparative genomics can shed light on how certain species achieve extraordinary feats and help scientists better understand the functional parts of the human genome. By identifying regions of the genomes that are most conserved across mammalian species, they pinpointed the genetic basis for uncommon mammalian traits, such as the ability to hibernate or detect faint scents from miles away. They also found genetic variants that are more likely to play causal roles in rare and common human diseases.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 16, 2022·8 min read

New Project Aims to Map Cellular Variation in the Healthy Human Brain

Researchers aim to create a new brain atlas of variation in human brain cells.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·November 22, 2022·4 min read

Gene-Delivering Viruses Reach the Brain in Step Toward Gene Therapy for Neurological Diseases

Researchers have developed a family of adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) that are able to cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver gene therapies directly to the brain.

This shows a start above some gray clouds

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·April 8, 2022·5 min read

Researchers Find First Strong Genetic Risk Factor for Bipolar Disorder

Rare variants of the AKAP11 gene raise the risk of developing bipolar disorder several-fold, making it the strongest risk factor gene for bipolar identified to date.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·December 17, 2020·5 min read

Cellular Connections Found Between Nervous and Immune Systems

Researchers have identified a direct cellular interaction between the nervous system and the immune system. Pain sensing neurons around the lymph nodes can modulate lymph node activity.

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 19, 2019·6 min read

Study hints at why an aggressive form of brain cancer is hard to treat

Genetics and microenvironment influence the frequency of glioblastoma cells. Researchers provide a new blueprint for glioblastoma, integrating the malignant cell programs, cancer cell plasticity, and modulation by genetic drivers. The findings shed light on why this form of cancer is so hard to treat effectively.