A gene situated on chromosome 2 may increase the risk of fainting. Women, the study reports, have three times increased risk of fainting disorder.
The biological role of a gene variant implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been determined by researchers at Oxford University. The researchers investigated one particular genetic variant - found in a gene called TNFRSF1A - which has previously been associated with the risk of developing MS.
The researchers demonstrated that cord blood cells, which come from the mesoderm, the middle layer of embryonic germ cells, can be switched to ectodermal cells, outer layer cells from which brain, spinal and nerve cells arise. "This study shows for the first time the direct conversion of a pure population of human cord blood cells into cells of neuronal lineage by the forced expression of a single transcription factor," says Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte.
Methylation of the oxytocin gene OXT was associated with maternal personal distress, resulting in harsher parenting. OXT methylation was also negatively correlated with gray matter in the right inferior temporal gyrus.
Researchers find evidence that a sight restoring gene therapy strengthens visual pathways in the brain.
Researchers believe they have identified a new set of genes that could be responsible for stroke and dementia.
Studying animal behavior could help with better detection and treatments for OCD.
Researchers describe a new way to convert human skin cells into specific brain cells which are affected by Huntington's, which bypasses the stem cell phase.
Researchers discover how a genetic code variation in the C9orf72 gene alters the shape of DNA, making cells more vulnerable to stress and apoptosis.
A two-week course of CBD helps normalize and restore the function of two proteins associated with reducing amyloid-beta accumulation in mouse models of familial Alzheimer's disease. CBD also reduces levels of IL-6, an immune protein associated with inflammation in Alzheimer's patients.
Mice born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy typically only live five to six days. University of Missouri researchers introduced the SMN gene into the mice’s central nervous systems and were able to extend their lives 10-25 days longer.
UT Southwestern researchers discover a gene implicated in circadian rhythm may also play a vital role in regulating genes important for our brain evolution.
