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Genetics

This shows a rendition of proteins clumping.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·January 6, 2025·3 min read

Lipid Anchors Hold Key to Preventing Protein Aggregation in Prion Diseases

A lipid anchor on nerve cell membranes stabilizes prion proteins (PrPC) and prevents their pathological aggregation into forms linked to prion diseases. Researchers developed new in vitro and cell models to study how membrane anchoring inhibits these harmful transformations.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 6, 2025·7 min read

The Genetic Impact of Forever Chemicals on Brain Function

Researchers have found that per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) alter the expression of specific genes in brain-like cells, potentially contributing to neurotoxicity. Among six tested compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) caused the most significant changes, downregulating genes crucial for neuron survival and upregulating those linked to cell death.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 4, 2025·6 min read

New Insight into Genetic Disease Variability

New research reveals that certain cells inactivate one parent’s copy of a gene, leading to a bias in gene activity that may explain why some individuals with disease-causing mutations remain symptom-free. This selective gene inactivation, known as monoallelic expression, affects about 1 in 20 genes and varies between cell types.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 2, 2025·7 min read

Gene Expression Drives Evolution of Human Brain Complexity

While humans share over 95% of their genome with chimpanzees, our brains are far more complex due to differences in gene expression. Research shows that human brain cells, particularly glial cells, exhibit higher levels of upregulated genes, enhancing neural plasticity and development.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 31, 2024·3 min read

How Early Experiences Shape Genes, Brain Health, and Resilience

New research in epigenetics reveals how early-life experiences influence gene expression and brain development. By bridging the gap between nature and nurture, this work shows that environmental factors leave lasting biological imprints, shaping long-term health and resilience.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 27, 2024·5 min read

Lithium Restores Brain Function and Behavior in Autism

Lithium, a drug widely used for bipolar disorder, may also treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to new research. The study found that lithium restored brain function and reduced behavioral symptoms in mice with Dyrk1a gene mutations, a known ASD risk factor.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 21, 2024·8 min read

Rare Brain Cells Offer Clues to Aging and Rejuvenation

A study reveals how brain cell interactions influence aging, showing that rare cell types either accelerate or slow brain aging. Neural stem cells provide a rejuvenating effect on neighboring cells, while T cells drive aging through inflammation.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 19, 2024·7 min read

New Genetic Link to Autism Identified on X Chromosome

Researchers identified variants in the DDX53 gene, located on the X chromosome, as contributors to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These genetic variants, found predominantly in males, provide critical insights into the biological mechanisms behind autism’s male predominance. The study also uncovered another potential gene, PTCHD1-AS, near DDX53, linked to autism, emphasizing the complexity of ASD’s genetic architecture.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 19, 2024·4 min read

Notochord Guides Neural and Spinal Formation

Scientists have developed human stem cell models containing the notochord, a critical tissue that guides spine and nervous system formation during embryonic development. Using precise chemical signals inspired by natural processes in chicken, mouse, and monkey embryos, the researchers successfully coaxed human stem cells to form a notochord and a miniature trunk-like structure. This innovation mirrors key features of human development and could advance the study of spine-related birth defects and conditions like intervertebral disc degeneration.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 18, 2024·4 min read

Genes Behind Dyslexia Linked to Brain Changes in Motor, Vision, and Language

A large-scale study revealed that genetic variants linked to dyslexia are associated with differences in brain areas controlling motor coordination, vision, and language. Using data from over a million individuals, researchers calculated genetic "polygenic scores" for dyslexia and analyzed their relationship to brain structures. Higher genetic risk for dyslexia was tied to lower volumes in brain regions related to speech processing and movement, and increased volumes in the visual cortex.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 18, 2024·6 min read

Space Study Reveals Accelerated Growth of Human Brain Cells

Scientists sent stem-cell-derived brain organoids to the International Space Station (ISS) to study the effects of microgravity on brain development. After a month in orbit, the organoids remained healthy but displayed accelerated maturation and reduced replication compared to Earth-grown controls. Gene expression analysis revealed higher levels of genes linked to neuron maturity and lower levels of stress-related inflammation, challenging initial hypotheses.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 17, 2024·6 min read

Brain-Targeted mRNA Delivery Breaks the Blood-Brain Barrier

Researchers have developed lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and precisely target brain cells, a major step toward treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. By attaching short peptides to LNPs, scientists achieved targeted mRNA delivery to neurons and endothelial cells, avoiding invasive procedures. Peptides are smaller, more stable, and easier to use than antibodies, making them ideal for LNP-based therapies.

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Genetics

Lipid Anchors Hold Key to Preventing Protein Aggregation in Prion Diseases

The Genetic Impact of Forever Chemicals on Brain Function

New Insight into Genetic Disease Variability

Gene Expression Drives Evolution of Human Brain Complexity

How Early Experiences Shape Genes, Brain Health, and Resilience

Lithium Restores Brain Function and Behavior in Autism

Rare Brain Cells Offer Clues to Aging and Rejuvenation

New Genetic Link to Autism Identified on X Chromosome

Notochord Guides Neural and Spinal Formation

Genes Behind Dyslexia Linked to Brain Changes in Motor, Vision, and Language

Space Study Reveals Accelerated Growth of Human Brain Cells

Brain-Targeted mRNA Delivery Breaks the Blood-Brain Barrier

Mediterranean Diet Boosts Psychological Well-Being Over Age 50

Exoskeleton Reads Faint Muscle Signals to Overcome Hand Paralysis

Invisible Tire Dust Hijacks Alzheimer’s Predictor Genes

Multilingualism Subtracts Up to 13 Years from Brain Age

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