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Genetics

·December 19, 2024·7 min read

New Genetic Link to Autism Identified on X Chromosome

Researchers identified variants in the DDX53 gene, located on the X chromosome, as contributors to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These genetic variants, found predominantly in males, provide critical insights into the biological mechanisms behind autism’s male predominance. The study also uncovered another potential gene, PTCHD1-AS, near DDX53, linked to autism, emphasizing the complexity of ASD’s genetic architecture.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 19, 2024·4 min read

Notochord Guides Neural and Spinal Formation

Scientists have developed human stem cell models containing the notochord, a critical tissue that guides spine and nervous system formation during embryonic development. Using precise chemical signals inspired by natural processes in chicken, mouse, and monkey embryos, the researchers successfully coaxed human stem cells to form a notochord and a miniature trunk-like structure. This innovation mirrors key features of human development and could advance the study of spine-related birth defects and conditions like intervertebral disc degeneration.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 18, 2024·4 min read

Genes Behind Dyslexia Linked to Brain Changes in Motor, Vision, and Language

A large-scale study revealed that genetic variants linked to dyslexia are associated with differences in brain areas controlling motor coordination, vision, and language. Using data from over a million individuals, researchers calculated genetic "polygenic scores" for dyslexia and analyzed their relationship to brain structures. Higher genetic risk for dyslexia was tied to lower volumes in brain regions related to speech processing and movement, and increased volumes in the visual cortex.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 18, 2024·6 min read

Space Study Reveals Accelerated Growth of Human Brain Cells

Scientists sent stem-cell-derived brain organoids to the International Space Station (ISS) to study the effects of microgravity on brain development. After a month in orbit, the organoids remained healthy but displayed accelerated maturation and reduced replication compared to Earth-grown controls. Gene expression analysis revealed higher levels of genes linked to neuron maturity and lower levels of stress-related inflammation, challenging initial hypotheses.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 17, 2024·6 min read

Brain-Targeted mRNA Delivery Breaks the Blood-Brain Barrier

Researchers have developed lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and precisely target brain cells, a major step toward treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. By attaching short peptides to LNPs, scientists achieved targeted mRNA delivery to neurons and endothelial cells, avoiding invasive procedures. Peptides are smaller, more stable, and easier to use than antibodies, making them ideal for LNP-based therapies.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·December 17, 2024·3 min read

Neural Stem Cell Transplants Show Promise for Spinal Injuries

A Phase I clinical trial has demonstrated the long-term safety of neural stem cell transplantation for chronic spinal cord injuries. Researchers followed four patients for five years, with two showing sustained neurological improvements, including better motor function and sensory responses.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 16, 2024·5 min read

Twin Dynamics: How Developmental Differences Shape Dominance Roles

A new study reveals that developmental differences strongly influence dominance roles in twin relationships, with typically developing twins perceived as dominant over their nontypically developing siblings. This dominance imbalance persists throughout childhood, even if developmental challenges improve.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 16, 2024·6 min read

Protein Loss Triggers Molecular Changes Linked to Rett Syndrom

Researchers have uncovered how loss of the MeCP2 protein triggers early molecular changes leading to Rett syndrome, a severe neurological disorder. By studying adult mice, they demonstrated that MeCP2 loss disrupts gene expression well before measurable neurological deficits arise.

This shows a representation of a cave painting.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 14, 2024·10 min read

Humans and Neanderthals Interbred 47,000 Years Ago

New research refines the timeline of interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals, showing it began about 50,500 years ago and lasted roughly 7,000 years. This gene flow left non-African populations with 1-2% Neanderthal ancestry, contributing beneficial traits like immune resilience and skin pigmentation.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 14, 2024·3 min read

Mini-Brains Reveal New Insights Into Mitochondrial Brain Disorders

Researchers have created mini-brains to study how mitochondrial failure impacts brain cells, opening new possibilities for treating severe conditions like epilepsy. These brain organoids mimic real disease processes, allowing scientists to observe mitochondrial dysfunction and test potential treatments.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 13, 2024·6 min read

Hair Regeneration Slowed by Intermittent Fasting

New research shows that intermittent fasting, while beneficial for metabolic health, may slow hair regrowth by impairing hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). In mice, fasting caused HFSCs to undergo apoptosis during extended fasting periods due to oxidative stress and free fatty acid buildup.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 13, 2024·5 min read

Clues to Longevity, Fertility, and Aging Found in Our DNA

A new review explores the genetic factors influencing reproductive health, fertility, and life expectancy. Researchers identified 37 key genes linked to traits such as age at first childbirth, menopause timing, and hormone levels, highlighting genetic connections to broader health outcomes.

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Genetics

New Genetic Link to Autism Identified on X Chromosome

Notochord Guides Neural and Spinal Formation

Genes Behind Dyslexia Linked to Brain Changes in Motor, Vision, and Language

Space Study Reveals Accelerated Growth of Human Brain Cells

Brain-Targeted mRNA Delivery Breaks the Blood-Brain Barrier

Neural Stem Cell Transplants Show Promise for Spinal Injuries

Twin Dynamics: How Developmental Differences Shape Dominance Roles

Protein Loss Triggers Molecular Changes Linked to Rett Syndrom

Humans and Neanderthals Interbred 47,000 Years Ago

Mini-Brains Reveal New Insights Into Mitochondrial Brain Disorders

Hair Regeneration Slowed by Intermittent Fasting

Clues to Longevity, Fertility, and Aging Found in Our DNA

Structural Sexism Tied to Faster Memory Decline in Older Women

Chronic Gut Virus May Play a Role in Alzheimer’s Development

AI Estimates Brain Age, Links Lifestyle to Cognitive Health

Serotonin, GABA, and Dopamine Drive Hunger and Feeding

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