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epigenetics

·January 21, 2025·5 min read

Mutations Drive Aging and Shape Epigenetic Clock

A new study has uncovered a direct link between somatic mutations and epigenetic modifications, challenging established views on aging. Researchers found that random genetic mutations drive predictable changes in DNA methylation, offering new insights into the relationship between mutation accumulation and epigenetic clocks.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 9, 2025·4 min read

Early Stress Alters Sperm DNA, Impacting Offspring’s Brain Development

Childhood stress may leave lasting marks on sperm, altering epigenetic profiles and potentially influencing brain development in offspring. Researchers found that men with high levels of childhood maltreatment had changes in DNA methylation and non-coding RNA levels in their sperm.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 31, 2024·3 min read

How Early Experiences Shape Genes, Brain Health, and Resilience

New research in epigenetics reveals how early-life experiences influence gene expression and brain development. By bridging the gap between nature and nurture, this work shows that environmental factors leave lasting biological imprints, shaping long-term health and resilience.

This shows gas pumps, a person and a brain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 4, 2024·3 min read

Leaded Gas Exposure Linked to Mental Illness

A new study estimates that childhood lead exposure, peaking between 1960 and 1990 due to leaded gasoline, caused 151 million excess cases of mental illness by 2015. Researchers linked historic lead exposure data to mental health symptoms, finding that personality changes and mental health disorders were most pronounced among Generation X.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·November 21, 2024·5 min read

Maternal Inflammation May Shape Offspring’s Alzheimer’s Risk

Maternal immune activity during pregnancy influences memory circuitry in offspring, with sex-specific effects extending into midlife. Elevated immune markers like IL-6 and TNF-a in mothers were linked to adverse brain activity in memory regions, particularly in postmenopausal women, and lower cognitive performance in children.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·November 15, 2024·6 min read

Cannabis Use Linked to Epigenetic Changes, Cancer Risk

Research indicates that cannabis use causes cellular damage that increases the risk of highly cancerous tumors by disrupting mitochondria and damaging DNA. This genotoxicity can result in mutations, accelerated aging, and birth defects, with potential to be passed on to future generations through egg and sperm. Insights from broader mitochondrial research provide a mechanistic understanding of how cannabis affects genetic stability.

This shows an older woman, a clock, and DNA.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 1, 2024·5 min read

Cheek Swab Test Predicts Aging and Mortality Risk

Researchers have developed a second-generation epigenetic clock called CheekAge, which accurately predicts mortality risk using cheek cell samples. Unlike earlier clocks based on blood samples, CheekAge is non-invasive and captures methylation patterns linked to aging and lifespan.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 23, 2024·6 min read

Blue Light Exposure Induces Behavioral and Epigenetic Changes in Fish

Artificial light at night (ALAN), particularly blue light, disrupts fish behavior and affects their offspring. After just a few nights of blue light exposure, zebrafish displayed anxiety-like behaviors, such as reduced swimming and wall-hugging, and their offspring exhibited decreased activity despite never being exposed themselves.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 4, 2024·5 min read

How Astrocytes Can Become Nerve Cells

A new study reveals that astrocytes, a type of brain cell, can transform into nerve cells through changes in DNA methylation. Researchers discovered that astrocytes in certain brain regions have a unique methylation pattern, allowing them to generate nerve cells.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·August 19, 2024·5 min read

Ancient DNA Markers Predict Aging with New Epigenetic Clock

Researchers have developed an epigenetic clock, "Retro-Age," that predicts biological age by analyzing DNA markers from ancient viral remnants in the human genome. This study highlights how the reactivation of these retroelements, such as HERVs and LINEs, impacts aging, inflammation, and genomic stability. The findings suggest that monitoring these markers could guide anti-aging therapies and improve health outcomes, particularly in conditions like HIV. The research also opens avenues for exploring treatments that may reverse the biological effects of aging.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 29, 2024·4 min read

Healthy Diets with Low Sugar Slow Biological Aging

A new study links diets rich in vitamins and minerals, with low added sugar, to younger biological age. Researchers found that healthier diets correlated with a younger epigenetic clock, even accounting for each gram of added sugar. The study is one of the first to show this link in a diverse group of midlife women. Findings highlight the importance of reducing sugar intake for better health and longevity.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 29, 2024·3 min read

Eight Week Vegan Diet Lowers Biological Age

A new study reveals that an eight-week vegan diet can reduce biological age estimations based on DNA methylation levels. The study, involving 21 pairs of adult identical twins, found that participants on a vegan diet showed decreases in biological age and the ages of their heart, hormone, liver, inflammatory, and metabolic systems.

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epigenetics

Mutations Drive Aging and Shape Epigenetic Clock

Early Stress Alters Sperm DNA, Impacting Offspring’s Brain Development

How Early Experiences Shape Genes, Brain Health, and Resilience

Leaded Gas Exposure Linked to Mental Illness

Maternal Inflammation May Shape Offspring’s Alzheimer’s Risk

Cannabis Use Linked to Epigenetic Changes, Cancer Risk

Cheek Swab Test Predicts Aging and Mortality Risk

Blue Light Exposure Induces Behavioral and Epigenetic Changes in Fish

How Astrocytes Can Become Nerve Cells

Ancient DNA Markers Predict Aging with New Epigenetic Clock

Healthy Diets with Low Sugar Slow Biological Aging

Eight Week Vegan Diet Lowers Biological Age

How Severe Illness During Pregnancy Alters Fetal Brain Development

Aging Brains Maintain Robust Language Networks Despite Cognitive Decline

Youth Protein TIMP2 Restores Immune Function in the Aging Brain

Shame, Stigma, and Culture Prevent Male Domestic Violence Survivors From Seeking Help

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