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Genetics

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·November 6, 2019·5 min read

Scientists should have sex and gender on the brain

Incorporating sex (the biological attributes distinguishing males, females, or intersex individuals) and gender (psychological, social, and cultural factors which affect how a human identifies in society) could help improve scientific research, reduce bias and create new opportunities for innovation.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·November 6, 2019·3 min read

Scientists identify new puberty-promoting genes

Researchers have identified two molecules that might be linked to Kallmann syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes a lack of hormones which stimulate the brain to produce signals required to reach sexual maturity.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 5, 2019·3 min read

CBD and THC use during early pregnancy can disrupt fetal development

Brain and fetal development damage caused by exposure to CBD and THC are very similar defects seen in fetal alcohol syndrome.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 5, 2019·4 min read

Physical activity may protect against new episodes of depression

Physical activity can help reduce incidents of depressive episodes in those with genetic risk factors for depression.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 2, 2019·4 min read

Heavy smoking can have a damaging effect on facial aging

In addition to being detrimental to general health, heavy smoking has a causal effect on facial aging. Heavy smoking affects facial attractiveness and spurs earlier and increased skin wrinkling.

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 30, 2019·2 min read

Key gene in familial Alzheimer’s disease regulates neuronal development

Researchers identify a new cell mechanism that connects Alzheimer's disease and cancers.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·October 30, 2019·3 min read

How are psychiatric disorders linked to infections during pregnancy?

Previous studies have documented how infection during pregnancy can increase the risk of ASD and a range of psychiatric disorders in the offspring. A new study reveals how maternal infections can affect neural development and how the timing of infection plays a critical role in elevating the risks of mental health conditions.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 29, 2019·5 min read

Which came first: Brain size or drinking propensity?

Reduced gray matter volume in the insula and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may represent a genetically conferred predispositional risk factor for alcohol use disorder.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 28, 2019·6 min read

Who will get depressed under major stress? Study shows promise of genetic risk prediction

A polygenetic risk score for major depressive disorder may reveal those most at risk of developing depression during times of extreme stress.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·October 28, 2019·4 min read

Biomarker for schizophrenia can be detected in human hair

Mouse models and human postmortem brain tissue sample studies reveal a subtype of schizophrenia is related to abnormally high levels of hydrogen sulfide in the brain. Hair follicle analysis of patients with this schizophrenia subtype revealed higher expression of MPST mRNA than in those without the condition. MPST is linked to the production of hydrogen sulfide. The findings may lead to new tests to determine if a patient has the schizophrenia subtype from a simple hair sample analysis.

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Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·October 27, 2019·4 min read

Vitamin B12 deficiency: what is Pernicious anemia, and why can it be so dangerous?

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disorder associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. The condition not only affects physical health, it also has a detrimental effect on the mental health of many who suffer from the condition.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 25, 2019·4 min read

Schizophrenia risk gene linked to cognitive deficits

SETD1A, a gene associated with schizophrenia, stunts the growth and branching of dendrites and reduces the number of dendritic spines. Reinstating the normal expression of SETD1A in mouse models restored working memory function.