FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·May 26, 2020Researchers flag similarities between COVID-19 deaths and severe rheumatic illnessesAfter natural killer immune cells kill virus-infected cells, T and B immune cells produce cytokines. This makes the immune reaction stronger and results in the cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19 infection. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·May 26, 2020New method provides unique insight into the development of the human brainResearchers have developed a new model of early embryonic brain development. The model, called MiSTR, allows researchers to create tissue that contains different brain regions and place them next to each other. The model produces results similar to embryonic brain development at five weeks post-fertilization. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·May 26, 2020Dementia gene raises risk of severe COVID-19People with the Alzheimer's associated ApoE e4e4 gene have increased vulnerability to developing severe symptoms of COVID-19 if they become infected with the virus. Findings suggest those with the dementia-related gene have double the risk of developing severe coronavirus symptoms compared to those who those with the common e3e3 form of the APOE gene. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·May 25, 2020Coronavirus mutations do not appear to increase transmissibilityResearchers have identified 6,822 mutations of SARS-CoV-2 across a global dataset. 273 mutations have occurred repeatedly and independently. Of those, researchers investigated 31 mutations that have occurred at least ten times during the current pandemic. They found no evidence that any of the common mutations are increasing the ability of the virus to be transmitted. Some common mutations are neutral, but most are mildly detrimental to the virus. New evidence also suggests the viral spike protein, D614G, is not associated with increased viral transmission. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·May 25, 2020Scientists isolate live COVID-19 virus from feces, detect RNA on surfacesResearchers isolated live SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, from the feces of patients who died as a result of coronavirus infection. Antigens to the virus were also found in post-mortem gastrointestinal surface cells. Isolating the live virus from fecal matter indicates evidence of the infectious virus in feces is a common manifestation of COVID-19. Researchers also found SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces and bedding samples in hotel rooms used by two presymptomatic people who were later diagnosed with COVID-19. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·May 25, 2020Problems with alcohol? 29 gene variants may explain whyResearchers have identified 29 genetic variants linked to problematic alcohol use. Nineteen of the genes were previously unknown independent risk factors for alcohol use disorder. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·May 22, 2020Wired for marriage: The neural and genetic links to romantic loveResearchers have identified both genetic and neural mechanisms associated with romantic love and attachment. The maintenance of romantic love is not only associated with subcortical brain regions but also higher-order centers of the brain. The propensity to sustain romantic love appears to also be affected by genetic variability, specifically with genes associated with dopamine, vasopressin, and oxytocin. Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·May 20, 2020Scientists find a new way to reverse symptoms of Fragile XA new mouse study reveals a drug compound is effective at treating and potentially reversing symptoms of Fragile x syndrome. Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·May 19, 2020Gene mutation linked to autism behaviorsMouse models with one good copy and one inactive copy of the MEF2C gene showed social deficits, hyperactivity, repetitive behaviors, and significant reductions in vocalization. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·May 19, 2020Complement genes add to sex-based vulnerability in lupus and schizophreniaGene variants in the immune system result in sex-based vulnerabilities to autoimmune diseases and schizophrenia. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·May 19, 2020Animal study shows human brain cells repair damage in multiple sclerosisHuman iPSCs transplanted into animal models of multiple sclerosis help repair cell damage and restore function. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·May 18, 2020Aging neurons accumulate DNA damageRestoring HDAC1 could have potential benefits for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and people with age-related cognitive decline. Read More
