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Genetics

Genetics articles related to neuroscience research will be listed here.

·April 3, 2025·6 min read

MicroRNAs Guide Purkinje Cell Growth, Shedding Light on Autism Links

A new study reveals that microRNAs—tiny regulators of gene expression—play a crucial role in shaping Purkinje cells, rare brain neurons linked to movement and neurodevelopmental disorders. Using advanced genetic tools, researchers showed that disabling microRNAs during specific developmental windows impaired the cells’ growth and ability to form key connections.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 1, 2025·4 min read

Protein Imbalance Triggers Autism-Like Behavior

A new study reveals that autism-like symptoms in mice emerge when two nerve proteins—MDGA2 and BDNF—fall out of balance. MDGA2 typically keeps BDNF/TrkB signaling in check, but when MDGA2 levels drop, heightened neuronal activity and social impairments occur.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·March 31, 2025·4 min read

Genes Play a Role in Why We Love Music

A new genetic study reveals that our capacity to enjoy music is partly inherited, with 54% of music enjoyment variability linked to DNA differences. Researchers analyzed data from over 9,000 twins to explore whether genetics influence how much pleasure people derive from music.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·March 20, 2025·4 min read

Schizophrenia Risk May Begin in the Placenta

A new study highlights the placenta’s role in neuropsychiatric development, showing that DNA methylation influences gene expression tied to psychiatric disorders. Researchers found strong links between placental DNA methylation and conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.

This shows people around a campfire talking.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·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.