Gender identity leaves imprint on human brains
Gender identity, rather than sex, may cause the epigenome of the brain to differ in males and females.... Read More...
epigenetics
Body mass index may play a significant role in the progression of multiple sclerosis
Obesity and a higher body mass index negatively impacts the progression of Multiple Sclerosis. Ceramides are more abundant in the blood of those who are overweight. The ceramides enter inside the nucleus of monocytes, causing proliferation. The increased number of monocytes travel back to the brain, causing more damage for those with RRMS.... Read More...
NIH-funded rodent study finds molecular link between adolescent alcohol use and adult anxiety
Adolescent rats exposed to alcohol had a decrease of both Arc eRNA expression and Arc gene expression in the amygdala during adulthood. Additionally, the alcohol-exposed rats displayed increased anxiety behaviors as they aged.... Read More...
Extinguishing Fear Memories Relies On An Unusual Change to DNA
Researchers report fear extinction memories form as a result of an adenosine modification, which help to increase the activity of specific genes. ... Read More...
Blood Cells Could Hold Master Clock Behind Aging
A new study reveals blood cell DNA remains steady, even after transplant. The findings shed new light on human aging.... Read More...
Heavy Drinking in Teens Causes Lasting Changes in Emotional Center of Brain
A new study reports teenage binge drinking can result in lasting epigenetic changes that alter the expression of BDNF-AS, a protein vital for the formation of neural connection in the amygdala.... Read More...
Parental PTSD Affects Health Behavior and Aging Among Offspring of Holocaust Survivors
A new study reports Holocaust survivors who suffer from PTSD and their adult children age less successfully and display more unhealthy behaviors than those with no PTSD or who did not experience the horrors of the Holocaust.... Read More...
Mice Pass On Brain Benefits of Enriched Upbringing to Offspring
Researchers report life experiences may be transgenerationally inherited through a combination of epigenetics and parental behavior. ... Read More...
Epigenetics Contributes to Male and Female Differences in Fear Memories
A new mouse study reveals males recall fearful memories better than females. Researchers attribute the difference to the gene Cdk5, which has previously been implicated in creating fear memories and stress behaviors. The study reports Cdk5 is naturally activated in males, but not females.... Read More...
Differences Among Neurons that Coincide with Psychiatric Conditions
A new study reveals differences in genes in four areas of the brain that contribute to psychiatric disorders.... Read More...
Childhood Stress Affects Behavior of Offspring: Mouse Study
Researchers report on the epigenetic effect of early life stress. In a new study, researchers reveal mice who experienced stress in the first few weeks of life showed deterioration in memory, learning and maternal behaviors. Behavioral changes were seen in their later offspring, regardless of sex. ... Read More...
Choline Helps Fight Alzheimer’s Across Generations
Researchers report when mice bred to display Alzheimer's like symptoms were given diets high in choline, their offspring showed improvements in spatial memory compared to those exposed to normal levels of choline in the womb. ... Read More...