FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·May 16, 2025·6 min readGenetic Twist Behind Orange Cat Fur Finally UncoveredAfter decades of mystery, researchers have finally identified the gene behind orange fur in domestic cats: a deletion mutation in the X-linked gene ARHGAP36. This mutation increases gene activity in pigment-producing skin cells, shifting fur color toward orange by altering pigment production pathways.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·January 22, 2025·7 min readMaternal X Chromosome Accelerates Brain AgingNew research shows that female mice expressing only a maternal X chromosome experience faster brain aging and cognitive decline compared to those expressing both maternal and paternal X chromosomes. The maternal X accelerates aging in the hippocampus, a key region for memory and learning, and silences certain genes essential for brain health.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsOpen Neuroscience Articles·July 26, 2020·7 min readGenetic Mutations Predispose Individuals to Severe COVID-19Study identifies the TLR7 gene as an essential player in the immune response against coronavirus infection.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·October 3, 2019·3 min readGenetics researchers find new neurodevelopmental syndromeNKAP-related syndrome, a newly identified neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the NKPA gene, causes developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, behavioral abnormalities, and musculoskeletal problems in children.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·August 21, 2019·4 min readX chromosome gene may explain why women are more prone to autoimmune diseasesKdm6a, a gene on the X chromosome appears to be associated with the development of autoimmune diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis. The gene is expressed more in the immune cells of females than males. When Kdm6a was deleted in mouse models of MS, the animals had improved symptoms and reduced inflammation. The findings shed light on why women are more prone to autoimmune diseases than males.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·April 5, 2019·6 min readUnlocking the female bias in lupusDisruptions in maintaining X chromosome inactivation of T cells may explain why women are more prone to developing SLE than males.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·February 20, 2019·3 min readGenetic Mechanism Involved in How Females Inherit Traits IdentifiedResearchers have identified a specific mechanism involved in how females inherit traits. The findings could help reduce susceptibility to Fragile X and Rett syndrome, the researchers report.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·July 3, 2018·3 min readGenetic Mechanism Behind Why Males Are More At Risk of Neurodevelopmental DisordersResearchers report there may be a molecular placental pathway that allows females to be more resilient to maternal stress.Read More
AutismFeaturedPsychology·May 8, 2018·5 min readDrug May Reverse Imbalance Linked to Autism SymptomsAccording to researchers, a drug approved by the FDA may reverse some of the symptoms associated with Fragile X syndrome. The drug can reverse hyper-excitability that leads to sensory hypersensitivity.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsPsychology·January 5, 2018·6 min readX Chromosome Reactivation Could Treat Rett Syndrome and Other X-Linked DisordersMass General researchers have developed a strategy for treating disorders related to the X chromosome.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsPsychology·September 18, 2017·3 min read‘My Genes Made Me Do It’: Behavioral Genetic Evidence in Criminal CourtDespite growing evidence linking genetics to some criminal behavior, researchers report using genetic evidence is a court room is likely not to be an effective tool in persuading juries that a defendant is less culpable for their actions.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·July 14, 2017·6 min readPossible Link Between Carnitine Deficiency and AutismResearchers report a lack of a nutrient required for normal brain development may trigger a mild form of autism. The findings, published in BioEssays, suggests supplementing the diet with carnitine could prevent up to 20% of autism cases.Read More
