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Genetics

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 19, 2025·6 min read

Genetic Link Between Cannabis Use Disorder and Mental Health

A large genetic study reveals that cannabis use disorder (CanUD) is strongly linked to increased risk for multiple psychiatric disorders, including depression, PTSD, ADHD, and schizophrenia. By analyzing global and local genetic correlations, colocalization, Mendelian randomization, and structural equation modeling, researchers showed CanUD has distinct genetic signatures compared to casual cannabis use.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 19, 2025·7 min read

Why Antidepressants Work Better for Some

A meta-analysis of gene expression data from humans and rodents reveals key biological pathways influencing response to the antidepressant fluoxetine. The study highlights the role of immune-related pathways, including toll-like receptor signaling, and neural signal transduction mechanisms in distinguishing responders from non-responders.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·July 18, 2025·3 min read

Innovative Therapies Help Restore Vision Loss in Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of vision loss, but new therapies are reshaping its treatment. Recently approved drugs, pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol, target the complement system to slow dry AMD progression.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 17, 2025·4 min read

Neurons Store Backup Energy to Power the Brain Under Stress

New research has uncovered that neurons store their own glycogen, acting as “backup batteries” to keep the brain functioning during energy stress. Using worms and advanced biosensors, scientists found that neurons can tap into glycogen reserves, especially when oxygen or mitochondrial function is limited.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 14, 2025·8 min read

Why Women Face Higher Alzheimer’s Risk

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s disease, a disparity that can’t be fully explained by longevity alone. Researchers are exploring biological differences, focusing on X chromosome-linked genes and hormonal shifts like menopause.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 12, 2025·5 min read

Gene Key to MS Immune Regulation Discovered

New research has identified the gene Egr-1 as a critical regulator of immune balance, offering hope for autoimmune disease therapies. In a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, loss of Egr-1 led to reduced regulatory T cell activity and heightened inflammation. T

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 11, 2025·5 min read

Protein Found to Strengthen Brain Cell Connections for Memory

Scientists have identified how the brain protein cypin helps maintain strong connections between neurons, a discovery with implications for treating brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Cypin ensures proper protein tagging at synapses, allowing neurons to communicate effectively and support memory and learning.

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 10, 2025·4 min read

Cancer Pathway Found to Weaken Brain and Eye Barriers

Researchers have uncovered a surprising connection between a cancer-related signaling pathway and the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers. The study shows that the tumor-suppressing protein p53 weakens the Norrin/Frizzled4 pathway, which is crucial for maintaining these protective barriers.

This shows a child sitting under a tree.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 10, 2025·6 min read

Child Maltreatment Accelerates Aging and Hinders Social Development

New research shows that childhood maltreatment leaves lasting biological and social scars. In a study of young children, those who experienced abuse showed accelerated cellular aging and reduced social attention.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 9, 2025·7 min read

Genes and Brain Wiring Team Up in Alzheimer’s Spread

A new study reveals how genes influence where and how Alzheimer’s-related tau protein spreads in the brain. By combining imaging, gene data, and advanced modeling, researchers uncovered four gene pathways that either amplify or resist tau buildup, depending on brain connectivity.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 8, 2025·5 min read

Later-Born Neurons Mature Faster to Keep Networks in Balance

The brain depends on a delicate balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurons to function properly. A new study reveals that inhibitory neurons born later in development mature more quickly than earlier ones, allowing them to catch up and integrate evenly into neural networks.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 7, 2025·6 min read

Why Your Baby Cries: It’s Largely Written in Their Genes

A new twin study reveals that how much an infant cries is strongly influenced by genetics, leaving parents with limited control over this behavior. Researchers found that at two months, genetics accounted for around 50% of crying duration, rising to 70% by five months.