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Genetics

This shows the outline of two heads and brains. One brain is foggy, as though representing depression.

·August 3, 2025·5 min read

Brain Reward Signals Blunted by Genetic Depression Risk

A new imaging study reveals that young adults with a higher genetic risk for depression show diminished brain activity when processing rewards and punishments. Using data from nearly 900 healthy twins and siblings, researchers found altered activation in brain regions linked to attention and decision-making—well before any symptoms of depression appeared.

This shows a man and woman with their heads close together, surrounded by DNA and flowers. The implication of this image is that men and women's olfactory senses differ according to genetics.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 30, 2025·4 min read

Your Genes Influence What You Smell

A major genetic study of over 21,000 Europeans has identified 10 regions in the genome linked to how we perceive specific odors—seven of which are newly discovered. Three of these genetic regions function differently in men and women, helping explain hormone-driven changes in smell sensitivity.

This shows a large viral cell and DNA with a researcher analyzing data in the background.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 29, 2025·4 min read

DNA Reveals Multiple Sclerosis Risk Before Symptoms Begin

Researchers are launching a groundbreaking study to investigate how genetics and the Epstein-Barr virus may work together to trigger multiple sclerosis (MS). Using a method called "recall by genotype," the team will compare biological traits in people with high and low genetic risk—long before symptoms arise.

This shows a developing brain and neurons branching out.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 25, 2025·5 min read

Could Mental Illness Begin Before You’re Born?

A groundbreaking study has revealed that genes linked to mental and neurodegenerative disorders, such as autism, depression, and Parkinson’s, begin influencing brain development during the earliest fetal stages. These genes are already active in neural stem cells—the progenitors that form the brain—long before symptoms arise.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 25, 2025·3 min read

Microglia May Hold Key to Slowing Alzheimer’s Progression

Alzheimer’s disease is marked by toxic amyloid-beta protein clumps, but some people seem naturally protected. A new study reveals that a receptor called ADGRG1 enables immune cells called microglia to effectively clear these harmful plaques.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 22, 2025·5 min read

How Your Body Clock Stays on Time Despite Temperature Changes

Researchers uncovered how our biological clocks keep a 24-hour rhythm even as temperatures fluctuate. Using physics-based models, they discovered that at higher temperatures, gene activity rhythms become distorted—rising faster and falling slower—to maintain the cycle’s duration.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 21, 2025·7 min read

Most Mental Illnesses Arise Without Family History

A massive Danish study shows that most mental illnesses—like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression—occur in people with no close family history of the condition. Analyzing data from over 3 million individuals, researchers found that while heredity increases risk, most diagnosed individuals do not have affected relatives.

This shows a child surrounded by hands and DNA.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 21, 2025·6 min read

ADHD-Linked Genes Raise Risk of Childhood Maltreatment

Children with higher genetic risk for ADHD are more likely to experience childhood maltreatment, a new study shows. Researchers found that ADHD-associated genetic variants, especially when combined with parental psychiatric diagnoses, increase the likelihood of abuse and neglect.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 21, 2025·4 min read

Hidden Genes in DNA “Dark Matter” Linked to Human Brain Traits

Researchers have identified two genes from the human genome’s “dark matter” that influence brain size and synaptic signaling. Using the complete human genome and zebrafish models, the team showed how these duplicated genes may contribute to what makes the human brain distinctive.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 21, 2025·6 min read

Study Reveals Biological Bias in Baby Boy or Girl Odds

A massive study of over 58,000 women shows that families may have their own subtle biological bias toward having boys or girls, rather than offspring sex being purely random. Researchers found that older maternal age at first birth and specific maternal genetic variants were linked to having only sons or only daughters.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 19, 2025·6 min read

Genetic Link Between Cannabis Use Disorder and Mental Health

A large genetic study reveals that cannabis use disorder (CanUD) is strongly linked to increased risk for multiple psychiatric disorders, including depression, PTSD, ADHD, and schizophrenia. By analyzing global and local genetic correlations, colocalization, Mendelian randomization, and structural equation modeling, researchers showed CanUD has distinct genetic signatures compared to casual cannabis use.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 19, 2025·7 min read

Why Antidepressants Work Better for Some

A meta-analysis of gene expression data from humans and rodents reveals key biological pathways influencing response to the antidepressant fluoxetine. The study highlights the role of immune-related pathways, including toll-like receptor signaling, and neural signal transduction mechanisms in distinguishing responders from non-responders.

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Genetics

Brain Reward Signals Blunted by Genetic Depression Risk

Your Genes Influence What You Smell

DNA Reveals Multiple Sclerosis Risk Before Symptoms Begin

Could Mental Illness Begin Before You’re Born?

Microglia May Hold Key to Slowing Alzheimer’s Progression

How Your Body Clock Stays on Time Despite Temperature Changes

Most Mental Illnesses Arise Without Family History

ADHD-Linked Genes Raise Risk of Childhood Maltreatment

Hidden Genes in DNA “Dark Matter” Linked to Human Brain Traits

Study Reveals Biological Bias in Baby Boy or Girl Odds

Genetic Link Between Cannabis Use Disorder and Mental Health

Why Antidepressants Work Better for Some

Promise of Reward Changes How We Pay Attention

Do Dog Faces Shape Behavior?

How Kids Learn What Emotions Really Mean

Cycling Boosts Brain Function in Parkinson’s Disease

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