Latest

Genetics

·January 9, 2019·5 min read

Schizophrenia Linked to Abnormal Immune Response to Herpes Virus that Causes Mono

A new study reports people with schizophrenia have higher levels of antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus that causes mononucleosis. Researchers propose two explanations for the link to the heightened immune response to the virus: schizophrenia may alter the immune system, making patients more susceptible to EBV, or EBV may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 9, 2019·5 min read

Genes on the Move Help Nose Make Sense of Scents

A new study sheds light on the ingenious mechanism that underlies the brain's ability to distinguish between different smells.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·January 9, 2019·6 min read

Specific Gene Variants May Raise Bipolar Disorder Risk

Researchers report the CPG2 protein is significantly decreased in the brains of people with bipolar disorder and mutations in the SYNE1 gene undermines the expression of CPG2. The study shows how a set of genetic differences in those with bipolar disorder can lead to specific psychological dysfunction in synapses in the brain. The findings could help improve diagnosis of the disorder and help develop new treatments for BD.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 8, 2019·3 min read

Neural Fingerprints ID Those Likely to Abstain from Cocaine

Using deep learning technology in combination with neuroimaging data, researchers were able to accurately predict who would abstain from cocaine during treatment for addiction.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·January 8, 2019·4 min read

Childhood Stress Affects Behavior of Offspring: Mouse Study

Researchers report on the epigenetic effect of early life stress. In a new study, researchers reveal mice who experienced stress in the first few weeks of life showed deterioration in memory, learning and maternal behaviors. Behavioral changes were seen in their later offspring, regardless of sex.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 8, 2019·5 min read

Brain Plasticity Restored in Adult Mice Through Targeting Specific Neural Connections

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism which appears to be critical for the maturation of brain function, and may be used to restore plasticity in the aging brain.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·January 8, 2019·4 min read

New Genetic Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease

A new study reveals a novel genetic risk loci for Alzheimer's disease. Using single cell gene expression patterns, researchers found genetic changes are expressed in microglia cells. The mutations are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·January 8, 2019·4 min read

Defective Immune Cells in Brain May Cause Alzheimer’s

Researchers report therapeutic activation of the TREM2 gene during the early stages of Alzheimer's disease may help to counteract the formation of amyloid beta protein aggregates.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 8, 2019·4 min read

Building a Bigger Brain

ARHGAP11B, a gene unique to humans and active in the cerebral cortex, causes enlargement of the ferret neocortex when introduced during development.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·January 8, 2019·7 min read

Choline Helps Fight Alzheimer’s Across Generations

Researchers report when mice bred to display Alzheimer's like symptoms were given diets high in choline, their offspring showed improvements in spatial memory compared to those exposed to normal levels of choline in the womb.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 7, 2019·4 min read

Clues Into Early Development of Autism Revealed

Salk researchers report neurons from people on the autism spectrum exhibit different growth patterns and develop at a faster rate.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 7, 2019·5 min read

PAC1R Mutation May Be Linked to Severity of Social Deficits in ASD

Researchers report a mutation of PAC1R may be linked to the severity of social deficits experienced by those on the autism spectrum. The findings could serve as a biomarker to guide interventions and predict better outcomes for children with ASD.