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Genetics

This shows people around a campfire talking.

·March 18, 2025·7 min read

When Did Humans First Speak? Genes Offer New Clues on Language Origins

New genetic research suggests that humans first developed language around 135,000 years ago when populations began geographically splitting, followed by widespread social use around 100,000 years ago. Using data from 15 genetic studies, researchers found that early human groups branched out approximately 135,000 years ago, which likely coincides with the origin of language as a cognitive system.

This shows an older woman, a clock and fresh foods.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·March 14, 2025·5 min read

Turn Back Your Brain’s Bioenergetic Clock to Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk

Researchers have discovered that a person's "bioenergetic age," reflecting how efficiently cells produce energy, strongly predicts Alzheimer's risk and progression. High blood levels of molecules called acylcarnitines, markers of aging metabolism, were linked to faster cognitive decline and greater Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Autism Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·March 7, 2025·4 min read

Genetic Variant in ITSN1 Linked to Higher Parkinson’s and ASD Risk

A new study has identified genetic variants in the ITSN1 gene that significantly increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Researchers analyzed nearly 500,000 genetic profiles and found that individuals carrying ITSN1 variants face up to a tenfold higher risk of Parkinson’s.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·March 6, 2025·4 min read

Mapping Brain Cells Vulnerable to Alzheimer’s Protein Buildup

Researchers have identified memory-related brain cells that are highly vulnerable to tau protein accumulation, a key factor in Alzheimer’s disease. Using the MISS brain-mapping technique, they profiled 1.3 million cells in mice to pinpoint which cell types are most affected.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·February 27, 2025·3 min read

Alzheimer’s Study Identifies 16 Risk Genes

A large whole-genome sequencing study has uncovered 16 new genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, expanding genetic research beyond European ancestry. Researchers analyzed data from 49,149 individuals, nearly half of whom were from underrepresented populations, to improve understanding of genetic risk factors.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 26, 2025·4 min read

Rapidly Evolving DNA May Explain Human Brain Complexity

A new study reveals that human accelerated regions (HARs)—segments of DNA that evolved much faster than expected—may be key to the brain’s advanced cognitive abilities. Researchers compared human and chimpanzee neurons and found that HARs drive the growth of multiple neural projections, which enhance communication between brain cells.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·February 23, 2025·6 min read

Genetic Mutation Linked to Schizophrenia Alters Brain Function

Researchers identified a rare genetic mutation in two schizophrenia patients that increased schizophrenia-related behaviors in mice. The mutation led to higher levels of glycine decarboxylase (GLDC), an enzyme that degrades glycine, reducing NMDA receptor activation.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 19, 2025·4 min read

Unlocking Cellular Youth: The Protein That Reverses Aging

Scientists have identified a key protein, AP2A1, that may hold the secret to reversing cellular aging. The study found that suppressing AP2A1 in older cells led to rejuvenation, while overexpressing it in young cells accelerated senescence.

This shows a modern human and a Neanderthal.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 18, 2025·8 min read

Genetic Link Between Humans and the Evolution of Speech Found

New research suggests a genetic variant in the NOVA1 protein may have played a key role in the emergence of human speech. Scientists introduced this exclusively human variant into mice and observed altered vocalizations, indicating a potential role in vocal communication.

This shows the outline of a teen, a clock and a brain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 18, 2025·5 min read

How the Body’s Clock Influences Eating and Weight Gain in Teens

A new study reveals that the body’s internal clock plays a key role in eating behavior, influencing when and how much adolescents eat. Researchers found that teens with overweight or obesity consumed significantly more calories later in the day compared to those with a healthy weight. By isolating circadian influences from environmental and behavioral factors, they confirmed that food intake peaks in the late afternoon and evening regardless of sleep duration or external time cues.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·February 18, 2025·4 min read

Prenatal Stress Hormones Alter Brain Development

Environmental factors like stress and medication exposure during pregnancy can shape brain development, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Researchers used brain organoids to study the effects of synthetic glucocorticoids, commonly given to prevent complications in premature births.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 18, 2025·5 min read

Nanoparticles Deliver mRNA to the Brain, Bypassing Blood-Brain Barrier

Scientists have developed a lipid nanoparticle system that enables mRNA to cross the blood-brain barrier, a long-standing challenge in neuroscience. In studies using mice and human brain tissue, these nanoparticles successfully delivered therapeutic mRNA, opening doors for potential treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, ALS, and brain cancer.

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Genetics

When Did Humans First Speak? Genes Offer New Clues on Language Origins

Turn Back Your Brain’s Bioenergetic Clock to Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk

Genetic Variant in ITSN1 Linked to Higher Parkinson’s and ASD Risk

Mapping Brain Cells Vulnerable to Alzheimer’s Protein Buildup

Alzheimer’s Study Identifies 16 Risk Genes

Rapidly Evolving DNA May Explain Human Brain Complexity

Genetic Mutation Linked to Schizophrenia Alters Brain Function

Unlocking Cellular Youth: The Protein That Reverses Aging

Genetic Link Between Humans and the Evolution of Speech Found

How the Body’s Clock Influences Eating and Weight Gain in Teens

Prenatal Stress Hormones Alter Brain Development

Nanoparticles Deliver mRNA to the Brain, Bypassing Blood-Brain Barrier

HIV Drugs Linked to Lower Alzheimer’s Risk

Bigger Brains and Strong Immunity Linked to Longer Lifespans

How Brain Signals Shape Its Protective Waste Disposal Network

Parental Genes Indirectly Influence Child Development

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