Latest

Genetics

·September 19, 2023·5 min read

The Dance of Histones and Genetics Makes Us Who We Are

Epigenetics explores how external factors, such as diet or stress, can temporarily influence the expression of our genes. At the molecular heart of this process are histones, protein structures which DNA coils around.

Neuroscience

·September 19, 2023·7 min read

Tiny Sea Creatures Provide Evolution’s Clue to Neuron Origins

Researchers investigated the tiny marine animals called placozoans, revealing unexpected links to the evolution of neurons. These ancient creatures have specialized secretory cells that might have been precursors to neurons in advanced animals.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·September 18, 2023·5 min read

Mystery Behind Neuron Death in Alzheimer’s Decoded

Researchers have unveiled the mystery behind neuron death in Alzheimer's disease. A groundbreaking study reveals that neurons undergo a programmed cell death, necroptosis, when exposed to amyloid plaques and tau tangles, hallmark proteins linked to Alzheimer's.

This shows a woman with glasses of wine and a plate of food.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·September 18, 2023·5 min read

Genetic Link Between Eating Disorders and Alcohol Use Discovered

A comprehensive study of adolescent twins unveils a genetic nexus between disordered eating and alcohol use disorders (AUDs). This correlation underscores worse outcomes, including fatality, especially when these conditions manifest simultaneously in younger teens.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 18, 2023·5 min read

The Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Variability in Neural Diversity

Researchers reveal the intricate ways individual neurons communicate, even within the same type. Through their research on Drosophila fruit flies, they spotlight a protein, Complexin, responsible for curbing spontaneous neurotransmitter chatter.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·September 6, 2023·5 min read

New Alzheimer’s Genetic Markers Unearthed

Researchers unearthed fresh gene variations related to Alzheimer’s disease risk, potentially paving the way for predictive blood tests. The study, targeting the APOE gene, identified 15 new variations linked to Alzheimer's likelihood.

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 4, 2023·5 min read

Two Key Genes Revealed in Chemotherapy Resistance

Researchers identified two genes - NEK2 and INHBA - responsible for causing chemotherapy resistance in head and neck cancer patients. Remarkably, when these genes are silenced, previously resistant cancer cells begin responding to chemotherapy.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 1, 2023·7 min read

Gene Mutation Sheds Light on Schizophrenia Mysteries

Scientists developed a mouse model that carries a genetic mutation linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia. By studying the Grin2a gene, they found significant changes in gene expression, brain cell activity, and neurotransmitter signaling.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 30, 2023·3 min read

Educational Buffer: How Learning Slows Genetic Alzheimer’s Risk

Researchers examined the role of genetics and educational attainment in early-onset Alzheimer's disease, specifically focusing on carriers of the PSEN1 E280A mutation. They found that carriers with an additional high-risk mutation, APOE e4, experienced faster cognitive decline, while those with a protective APOE e2 mutation had delayed onset.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·August 30, 2023·9 min read

Could A Gene Be A Hidden Shield Against Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s?

Researchers identified a gene allele, known as DR4, that offers more than a 10% average reduction in the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study, involving hundreds of thousands of people from various ancestries, suggests a potential role of the tau protein in both conditions.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·August 29, 2023·6 min read

Genes Behind Depression Could Pave Way for Other Mental Disorders

Researchers completed the largest-ever genetic study on depression, encompassing 1.3 million genomes. Their findings indicate that individuals with hospital-treated depression have an increased genetic risk for other psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·August 28, 2023·5 min read

New Cell Atlas Signals Hope for Aging Visual Impairments

Researchers created a groundbreaking "cell atlas" of the human eye that could revolutionize treatments for blinding diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration. The atlas identifies nearly 160 unique cell types across different eye structures, and pinpoints which genes each cell type expresses.