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DRD2

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 14, 2022·3 min read

Four Genes Identified as Heightening Risk of Suicidal Thoughts and Actions

Researchers have identified four genes, ESR1, DCC, DRD2, and TRAF3, that are associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.

This is a graphic abstract from the study

Featured Neuroscience

·June 2, 2020·3 min read

Some people are easily addicted to drugs, but others are not

Dopamine D2 receptor overexpression in cholinergic interneurons of the nucleus accumbens may explain why some are more prone to cocaine addiction than others.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 5, 2020·3 min read

Triglycerides control neurons in the reward circuit

Dietary triglycerides directly alter signaling in the reward circuit to regulate behavior. The findings reveal a potential mechanism by which triglyceride-rich diets may lead to adaptions in dopamine signaling that underlie reward deficit and compulsive behaviors.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 2, 2019·5 min read

Study reveals genes associated with heavy drinking and alcoholism

18 genetic variants have been identified which appear to be associated with alcohol use disorder and heavy drinking. Of these genes, five were overlapped, eight were associated with heavy consumption and five were linked to an increased risk of AUD. The study concluded that while heavy drinking is a risk factor for alcoholism, it is not a sufficient cause of the disorder.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 24, 2018·4 min read

Does Our Environment Affect the Genes in Our Brains?

A new study reports environmentally induced epigenetic alterations have a greater impact on intelligence that previously believed.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·December 21, 2017·5 min read

How Genes Influence Performance of Sleep Deprived People

People with a variation of the DRD2 gene are more resilient to the effects of sleep deprivation when completing tasks that require cognitive flexibility, a new study reports.

Featured Genetics Psychology

·November 13, 2017·3 min read

Impact of a Genetic Risk Factor For Substance Use Differs By Sex in Adolescents

Study finds a sex difference in a gene linked to substance abuse risk in adolescents.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 22, 2016·3 min read

Music in the Brain: Imaging Genetic Study Links Dopamine Genes to Music

The effect music has on people may be genetically determined by dopamine functionality, a new study reports.

Featured Genetics Psychology

·November 28, 2016·5 min read

Small RNA Identified That Offers Clues for Quieting the ‘Voices’ of Schizophrenia

A new study identifies a microRNA that may be essential to restoring normal function in a brain circuit associated with auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia.

Image shows serotoning neuron popultions.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 16, 2016·6 min read

Fight Club: Specific Types of Serotonin Neurons Modulate Aggression

Researchers have identified two groups of serotonin neurons that may help to suppress aggression in mice.

Featured Genetics Psychology

·September 20, 2016·5 min read

Loneliness is a Heritable Trait

According to a new study, the risk for feeling lonely is partially due to genetics and these genes are also associated with neuroticism and depression.