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Genetics

Genetics articles related to neuroscience research will be listed here.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 21, 2025·7 min read

Most Mental Illnesses Arise Without Family History

A massive Danish study shows that most mental illnesses—like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression—occur in people with no close family history of the condition. Analyzing data from over 3 million individuals, researchers found that while heredity increases risk, most diagnosed individuals do not have affected relatives.

This shows a child surrounded by hands and DNA.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 21, 2025·6 min read

ADHD-Linked Genes Raise Risk of Childhood Maltreatment

Children with higher genetic risk for ADHD are more likely to experience childhood maltreatment, a new study shows. Researchers found that ADHD-associated genetic variants, especially when combined with parental psychiatric diagnoses, increase the likelihood of abuse and neglect.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 21, 2025·4 min read

Hidden Genes in DNA “Dark Matter” Linked to Human Brain Traits

Researchers have identified two genes from the human genome’s “dark matter” that influence brain size and synaptic signaling. Using the complete human genome and zebrafish models, the team showed how these duplicated genes may contribute to what makes the human brain distinctive.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 21, 2025·6 min read

Study Reveals Biological Bias in Baby Boy or Girl Odds

A massive study of over 58,000 women shows that families may have their own subtle biological bias toward having boys or girls, rather than offspring sex being purely random. Researchers found that older maternal age at first birth and specific maternal genetic variants were linked to having only sons or only daughters.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 19, 2025·6 min read

Genetic Link Between Cannabis Use Disorder and Mental Health

A large genetic study reveals that cannabis use disorder (CanUD) is strongly linked to increased risk for multiple psychiatric disorders, including depression, PTSD, ADHD, and schizophrenia. By analyzing global and local genetic correlations, colocalization, Mendelian randomization, and structural equation modeling, researchers showed CanUD has distinct genetic signatures compared to casual cannabis use.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 19, 2025·7 min read

Why Antidepressants Work Better for Some

A meta-analysis of gene expression data from humans and rodents reveals key biological pathways influencing response to the antidepressant fluoxetine. The study highlights the role of immune-related pathways, including toll-like receptor signaling, and neural signal transduction mechanisms in distinguishing responders from non-responders.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·July 18, 2025·3 min read

Innovative Therapies Help Restore Vision Loss in Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of vision loss, but new therapies are reshaping its treatment. Recently approved drugs, pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol, target the complement system to slow dry AMD progression.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 17, 2025·4 min read

Neurons Store Backup Energy to Power the Brain Under Stress

New research has uncovered that neurons store their own glycogen, acting as “backup batteries” to keep the brain functioning during energy stress. Using worms and advanced biosensors, scientists found that neurons can tap into glycogen reserves, especially when oxygen or mitochondrial function is limited.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 12, 2025·5 min read

Gene Key to MS Immune Regulation Discovered

New research has identified the gene Egr-1 as a critical regulator of immune balance, offering hope for autoimmune disease therapies. In a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, loss of Egr-1 led to reduced regulatory T cell activity and heightened inflammation. T

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 11, 2025·5 min read

Protein Found to Strengthen Brain Cell Connections for Memory

Scientists have identified how the brain protein cypin helps maintain strong connections between neurons, a discovery with implications for treating brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Cypin ensures proper protein tagging at synapses, allowing neurons to communicate effectively and support memory and learning.

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 10, 2025·4 min read

Cancer Pathway Found to Weaken Brain and Eye Barriers

Researchers have uncovered a surprising connection between a cancer-related signaling pathway and the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers. The study shows that the tumor-suppressing protein p53 weakens the Norrin/Frizzled4 pathway, which is crucial for maintaining these protective barriers.

This shows a child sitting under a tree.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 10, 2025·6 min read

Child Maltreatment Accelerates Aging and Hinders Social Development

New research shows that childhood maltreatment leaves lasting biological and social scars. In a study of young children, those who experienced abuse showed accelerated cellular aging and reduced social attention.