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Genetics

·May 8, 2025·4 min read

Boosting Klotho Protein Slows Aging and Enhances Health

Increasing levels of the Klotho protein can slow aging and improve health across multiple systems. Scientists showed that mice treated to produce more secreted Klotho (s-KL) had better muscle strength, bone density, cognitive function, and even lived 15–20% longer.

This shows DNA, children walking, and brains.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 8, 2025·4 min read

Genes Strongly Influence When Babies Take Their First Steps

New research reveals that genetics play a major role in determining when babies begin walking, accounting for about 25% of the variation in this milestone. In a study analyzing data from over 70,000 infants, scientists identified 11 genetic markers linked to the timing of first steps.

Featured Genetics Psychology

·May 8, 2025·4 min read

Genetics, Not Parenting, Shapes Personality

New research challenges many widely held beliefs in psychology, revealing that genetics may play a greater role in shaping personality than parenting. The findings also dispute common assumptions about gender-based personality differences, the power of subliminal messaging, and the effectiveness of brain training.

This shows DNA and a child playing with blocks.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 7, 2025·6 min read

Can Genetics Predict Autism Intellectual Disabilities?

A new predictive model combining genetics with developmental milestones may help forecast which autistic children are at risk of developing intellectual disabilities. In a large study of over 5,600 children, researchers were able to correctly predict 10% of such cases and differentiate between low and high-risk groups twice as well as current methods.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 7, 2025·9 min read

Want to Know Your Alzheimer’s Risk? Many Change Their Minds

New research reveals a striking gap between people’s theoretical desire to know their Alzheimer’s disease risk and their real-life decisions when results are actually offered. In a study of cognitively normal volunteers, only 60% chose to learn their estimated risk when given the chance, despite 81% expressing prior interest.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 6, 2025·6 min read

Romantic Partners Can Shape Genetic Risk for Binge Drinking

New research shows that romantic partners' habits and traits can influence how strongly genetic risk for binge drinking affects an individual. Using data from Finnish twins, scientists found that partners who smoke, show psychological distress, or exhibit low conscientiousness amplify genetic risk.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 4, 2025·5 min read

Two Key Signals Shape Brain Structure Early, Varying by Person

A new study has revealed how two morphogens, WNT and Sonic Hedgehog, act as molecular "traffic cops," directing early human brain development. Using a custom device and stem cell-derived organoids, researchers showed that exposure to these signals for just five days sets gene programs in motion that shape brain regions.

This shows the outline of a person and a brain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 2, 2025·4 min read

Immune System Tied to Mental Health Disorders

New research reveals that immune system activity may play a causal role in conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. Using Mendelian randomisation, scientists linked 29 immune-related proteins to seven neuropsychiatric disorders, suggesting the brain is not the only organ involved in mental health.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 28, 2025·9 min read

Tiny Brain Structure Reveals New Paths to Treat Addiction, Depression

New research spotlights the habenula, a tiny but powerful brain region, as a key player in addiction, motivation, and emotional regulation. Studies show that the habenula’s circuitry influences how the brain processes rewards, disappointment, and drug cravings, offering potential drug targets like the GPR151 receptor.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·April 27, 2025·4 min read

New Biomarker Enables Early, Accurate Diagnosis of Parkinson’s

Researchers have identified a biomarker in spinal fluid that can detect Parkinson’s disease in its early stages with over 90% accuracy. Using a patented immuno-infrared sensor (iRS) technology, they measured the misfolding of the alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein, a key driver of the disease.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 27, 2025·4 min read

Tracing the Origins of Hearing

Researchers have developed a genetic "barcoding" method to trace how stem cells in embryos become neurons and inner ear cells. By labeling early stem cells in mice, the team followed their development and mapped the formation of the inner ear.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 26, 2025·3 min read

Umbilical Cord DNA May Predict Future Metabolic Health Risks

DNA changes in umbilical cord blood may help predict which children are at higher risk for future health issues like diabetes, liver disease, and stroke. Researchers analyzed chemical tags on DNA, known as methylation patterns, and linked specific alterations to markers of metabolic dysfunction later in childhood. Notably, changes in genes like TNS3, GNAS, and CSMD1 were tied to liver fat accumulation, high blood pressure, and abnormal waist-to-hip ratios.