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Genetics

·October 18, 2024·3 min read

Key Enzyme Found to Drive Inflammation in Aging Cells

Researchers have discovered that the enzyme ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) plays a critical role in driving the inflammatory process linked to aging, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The study shows that blocking ACLY can reduce the expression of inflammation-related genes in aging cells, opening the door for potential therapies to combat age-related diseases like dementia and atherosclerosis.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·October 18, 2024·4 min read

Disrupted Protein Clearance After TBI Tied to Alzheimer’s

A study has found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by disrupting protein clearance, leading to the accumulation of toxic tau proteins in the brain. Researchers discovered that TBI downregulates BAG3, a protein crucial for clearing damaged proteins, which contributes to Alzheimer's-related tau buildup.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 17, 2024·6 min read

Cannabis Leaves Molecular Marks on DNA Linked to Psychosis

Frequent use of high-potency cannabis leaves unique molecular marks on DNA, particularly affecting genes related to energy and immune function. Researchers found that DNA methylation—an epigenetic modification—differed between frequent cannabis users who had experienced psychosis and those who had not, suggesting a possible genetic link to psychosis risk.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 17, 2024·5 min read

SUMO Proteins Trigger Brain Stem Cell Reactivation for Repair

SUMO proteins play a key role in activating dormant neural stem cells, vital for brain repair and regeneration. This finding, centered on a process called SUMOylation, reveals how neural stem cells can be "woken up" to aid in brain recovery, offering potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 17, 2024·8 min read

Genetic Influences on Youth Behavior and Mental Health

Researchers have used an innovative approach to explore genetic links to mental health issues in youth, identifying associations with behaviors such as screen time and caffeine consumption. By focusing on polygenic scores that reflect genetic predispositions, the study highlights a range of potentially modifiable factors that may contribute to psychiatric risk.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·October 15, 2024·6 min read

Toxic Protein May Uniquely Affect Brain, Spine, and Muscles in ALS

A recent study reveals that the toxic trimer form of the protein SOD1 affects the brain, spinal cord, and muscle tissues differently in ALS, shedding light on its complex progression. The study found SOD1 trimers bind uniquely to different proteins in each tissue type, potentially impacting cellular communication, structure, and energy production. For instance, SOD1 trimers in neurons affect cellular aging and communication, while in muscle cells, they disrupt metabolic processes.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 14, 2024·4 min read

Key Protein Regulates DNA Enzymes, Supporting Genome Stability

Researchers have discovered that the protein USP50 regulates DNA replication by managing which enzymes—nucleases or helicases—cleave or unwind DNA strands during replication. This control is crucial for stable replication, especially when the process encounters issues that need restarting.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 14, 2024·5 min read

Human-Specific Genes Reveal Link Between Brain Growth and Autism

Researchers have found a link between two human-specific genes and the gene SYNGAP1, a factor in intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. These genes, SRGAP2B and SRGAP2C, slow down synapse development, a hallmark of prolonged brain growth thought to enhance learning in humans. By turning off these genes in human neurons, scientists observed accelerated brain connectivity development, mimicking changes seen in certain neurodevelopmental conditions.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 14, 2024·5 min read

Motor Delays May Predict Genetic Disorders in Kids

A recent study reveals that motor delays and low muscle tone are strong indicators of an underlying genetic diagnosis in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Researchers reviewed patient records to identify early signs, finding that 75% of children with motor delays had genetic diagnoses. Early identification can enable families to seek genetic testing, potentially offering targeted treatments or monitoring for related medical issues.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 11, 2024·5 min read

Key Brain Protein Tied to Motivation and Mood Identified

A new study has identified a brain protein, vesicular nucleotide transporter (Vnut), as essential for regulating mood and motivation in mice. When Vnut was removed from brain cells called astrocytes, the mice displayed higher anxiety, depression-like behavior, and decreased motivation, especially in females.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 11, 2024·4 min read

New Genetic Mutations Linked to Schizophrenia Risk

A study has identified mutations arising during brain development that may contribute to schizophrenia. Unlike inherited genes, these somatic mutations occur after conception and were found more frequently in schizophrenia patients' brain tissue. By sequencing DNA from neurons in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, researchers identified single-nucleotide variants linked to disrupted brain functions. This discovery highlights the importance of studying both inherited and non-inherited genetic factors.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 11, 2024·5 min read

Newly Discovered Protein Complex Shapes Synapses and Mental Health

Researchers have identified a protein complex, TrkC-PTPσ, that plays a key role in the structural organization of synapses in the brain, impacting cognitive behaviors. By studying this complex, scientists uncovered how it regulates synaptic protein phosphorylation, essential for healthy brain function. Disruptions in this protein complex led to anxiety-like behaviors in mice, providing insights into mental health conditions like anxiety and autism.

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Genetics

Key Enzyme Found to Drive Inflammation in Aging Cells

Disrupted Protein Clearance After TBI Tied to Alzheimer’s

Cannabis Leaves Molecular Marks on DNA Linked to Psychosis

SUMO Proteins Trigger Brain Stem Cell Reactivation for Repair

Genetic Influences on Youth Behavior and Mental Health

Toxic Protein May Uniquely Affect Brain, Spine, and Muscles in ALS

Key Protein Regulates DNA Enzymes, Supporting Genome Stability

Human-Specific Genes Reveal Link Between Brain Growth and Autism

Motor Delays May Predict Genetic Disorders in Kids

Key Brain Protein Tied to Motivation and Mood Identified

New Genetic Mutations Linked to Schizophrenia Risk

Newly Discovered Protein Complex Shapes Synapses and Mental Health

AI Chip Mimicking Brain’s Reflex Center Developed

Study Overturns Decades of External Axon Growth Theory

Study Shatters Assumptions About Brain Connectome Dynamics

Earliest Evidence of Right-Handedness Found

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