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Genetics

·May 28, 2019·6 min read

High LDL cholesterol linked to early-onset Alzheimer’s

Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol has been linked to an increased risk of early-onset Alzheimer's disease, in those with and without a genetic risk factor. This suggests cholesterol could be an independent risk factor for dementia. Additionally, researchers identified a potential new genetic risk factor for early-onset Alzheimer's, a rare variant of the APOB gene.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 27, 2019·5 min read

Scientists uncover a trove of genes that could hold key to how humans evolved

Dozens of genes previously believed to have similar roles across different organisms are actually unique to humans. The genetic codes are for transcription factors, which help control gene activity. The findings may help to explain how humans evolved.

This shows how the AI discovered the mutations

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 27, 2019·5 min read

New causes of autism found in ‘junk’ DNA

Using artificial intelligence, researchers discover mutations in noncoding regions of the human genome that may result in autism. The noncoding mutations are associated with altered gene regulation in children with ASD. Additionally, the mutations affect gene expression in the brain and genes already linked to autism, such as those responsible for neuron development and migration.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 27, 2019·4 min read

Coat of proteins makes viruses more infectious and links them to Alzheimer’s disease

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) interact with biological fluids, creating a coat of proteins around the viral surface. This results in the viruses becoming more infectious and can contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques. In animal models, researchers found these viruses can bind to amyloid proteins, which aggregate into plaques that contribute to Alzheimer's disease. HSV-1 is able to accelerate the transformation of soluble amyloid proteins into amyloid plaques.

This shows a woman covering her face with her hands

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 26, 2019·6 min read

Autoimmune disease and stress: Is there a link?

Researchers consider why those with autoimmune diseases are more likely to have a previous diagnosis of stress-related disorders.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·May 25, 2019·4 min read

Infants with autism risk may be less likely to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar speech patterns

Children at higher risk of ASD are less able to distinguish between differences in speech patterns. The findings suggest the biological mechanism of language development is less acquisitive in high-risk infants who are diagnosed with autism during toddlerhood.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 24, 2019·5 min read

If you could learn every disease your child could possibly develop in life, would you?

Including genomic sequencing with routine newborn testing could reveal the risk a child has of developing numerous conditions later in life. Researchers weigh up the pros and cons of genetic sequencing in newborns.

This shows a child looking at a DNA double helix

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 24, 2019·4 min read

New approaches to study the genetics of autism may lead to new therapies

Researchers will present their latest findings regarding genes associated with autism spectrum disorder in an upcoming meeting.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 24, 2019·4 min read

New neurons form in the brain into tenth decade of life, even in people with Alzheimer’s

Hippocampal neurogenesis continues to occur well into old age, and in those with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found evidence of neurogenesis in people up to the age of 99. While neurogenesis continues to occur in those with Alzheimer's disease, it is significantly reduced compared to those who have normal cognitive function.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 23, 2019·3 min read

A new pathway for an anti-aging drug

TRPML1 may contribute to the neuroprotective and anti-aging properties of rapamycin.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 23, 2019·3 min read

Targeting key gene could help lead to down syndrome treatment

Using stem cells from candidates with Down syndrome to create an organoid, and employing mouse models, researchers pinpoint a gene linked to memory impairments and cognitive problems in Down syndrome. Inhibiting the OLIG2 gene leads to cognitive and memory improvements in mouse models of Down. Researchers hope their findings lead to an in utero treatment that targets the gene and helps reverse abnormal brain development.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 22, 2019·3 min read

New therapeutic target for depression identified

A fragment of the neuropeptide Galanin appears to play a role in anhedonia in mouse models of depression. Galanin could be a potential target for the treatment of depression.