Twin study reveals how we adapt to aging may be genetically influenced. Individual differences in blood DNA methylation are partly heritable later in life and longitudinally across a decade, researchers report. Read More
Study uncovers DNA hypermethylation is responsible for reduced amygdala volume in male patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Read More
Marijuana use alters a gene associated with autism in sperm. Hypomethylation was identified in the DLGAP2 gene in the sperm of male rats exposed to THC. The hypomethylated state was also detected in the forebrains of their offspring. Further research is needed to establish if there is a definitive link between paternal cannabis use and ASD in humans. Read More
POMC, a gene which regulates the stress response system, and PER2, a gene associated with circadian regulation, are altered in women who drank moderate-to-high amounts of alcohol during pregnancy and their newborns. Read More
Methylation sites have been identified in multiple genes implicated in daytime sleepiness. Read More
A cluster of epigenetic marks in an enhancer at IGF2 could enhance dopamine synthesis associated with psychosis in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The findings may help in devising more effective treatments and screening strategies for both disorders. Read More
NASA scientists have published the results of the Kelly Twin Study, which revealed how the body adapts to life in space, compared to life on Earth. The findings revealed that, in space, telomeres are unexpectedly longer, the immune system responds appropriately, and variability in gene expression alters. Read More
A new study reveals differences in genes in four areas of the brain that contribute to psychiatric disorders. Read More
THC exposure targets genes in two major cellular pathways and alters DNA methylation, a new study reports. Researchers say that wile cannabis triggers structural and regulatory changes in the DNA of users' sperm, they do not know yet whether the changes are passed down to the offspring and what effects that could have. Read More
Researchers identify distinctive methylation differences in 12 regions of the male genome between those who had faced abuse as children and those who did not. Scientists say the discovery of this biomarker could be used as a tool for criminal investigations into child abuse. Read More
Study reports the effects of prenatal famine can cause metabolic health problems in offspring up to six decades later. Read More
Mass General researchers have developed a strategy for treating disorders related to the X chromosome. Read More
