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Genetics

Genetics articles related to neuroscience research will be listed here.

·October 9, 2024·6 min read

3D Gene Regulation Map Sheds Light on Brain Development

Researchers have developed the first 3D map of gene regulation in the human brain, offering insights into how early brain development influences lifelong mental health. This map, focusing on regions tied to memory and emotional regulation, reveals how chromatin structure controls gene activity, especially during key developmental stages.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 9, 2024·3 min read

Nobel Prize Honors Breakthroughs in Protein Design and Structure Prediction

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry celebrates two groundbreaking achievements in protein science: designing novel proteins and predicting protein structures using AI. David Baker has pioneered techniques to construct entirely new proteins that could serve as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and nanomaterials. Meanwhile, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper’s AI model, AlphaFold2, solved the decades-old challenge of predicting protein structures, allowing researchers to visualize nearly all known proteins. These advancements hold transformative potential for fields like medicine, biotechnology, and environmental science.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Pain

·October 7, 2024·3 min read

Genetic Mapping Unlocks Path to Effective Chronic Pain Relief

Researchers have developed a comprehensive atlas that maps genetic activity in nerve cells linked to chronic pain, offering a potential breakthrough in non-addictive treatments. The study highlights key pain-sensitive nerve cell states, allowing for new therapeutic targets, such as senescent cells. Administering senolytic treatments in mice led to full recovery from pain without side effects, providing hope for chronic pain patients.

This shows a stressed woman with gray hair.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 7, 2024·6 min read

Does Stress Lead to Premature Hair Graying?

Hair turns grey due to a decrease in melanin production in hair follicles, a process influenced by both genetics and environmental factors like stress. Contrary to myths, plucking a grey hair won’t make more grow back, and hair can’t turn grey overnight.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 7, 2024·4 min read

Uncovering Genetic Links to Psychiatric Disorders in the Brain

Scientists have identified how genetic variants influence the risk of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and autism. Using live neural cells and DNA sequencing, researchers discovered thousands of "non-coding" genetic variants with context-dependent functions, activated during brain development.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 5, 2024·5 min read

Gene Activity in Depression Linked to Immune System and Inflammation

A new study reveals that inflammation and immune system activation are closely linked to major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly in those resistant to standard antidepressants. Researchers analyzed gene expression in people with depression, finding increased immune-related gene activity, especially in those with higher inflammation.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 3, 2024·4 min read

Estrogen’s Quick Impact on Neurons via Clic1

Researchers have discovered that estrogen's fast action on neurons is mediated by the estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) coupling with the chloride ion channel Clic1. This interaction allows estrogen to regulate nerve impulses within milliseconds, influencing processes like mood, cognition, and body weight.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·October 2, 2024·4 min read

Targeting Protein Reduces Macular Degeneration Symptoms

New research identifies a protein, TIMP3, overproduced in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that may drive the disease’s progression. By targeting the enzyme linked to inflammation and drusen formation, scientists reduced early signs of AMD in stem cell models, offering hope for new treatments.

This shows an older woman, a clock, and DNA.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 1, 2024·5 min read

Cheek Swab Test Predicts Aging and Mortality Risk

Researchers have developed a second-generation epigenetic clock called CheekAge, which accurately predicts mortality risk using cheek cell samples. Unlike earlier clocks based on blood samples, CheekAge is non-invasive and captures methylation patterns linked to aging and lifespan.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·October 1, 2024·3 min read

New Genetic Syndrome Links Brain Development and Degeneration

Researchers have discovered a new genetic syndrome caused by a mutation in the SPAG9 gene that affects both neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. The study identified three siblings with intellectual disability, speech delays, and progressive cognitive decline, linking the mutation to disruptions in brain structure and function. Neuroimaging revealed abnormalities such as microcephaly, hippocampal malrotation, and cerebral atrophy.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·September 30, 2024·5 min read

Genetic Variants Linked to Alzheimer’s Trigger Inflammation in Females

Researchers have discovered that two genetic variants, APOE4 and TREM2 R47H, together cause a harmful inflammatory response in brain immune cells, particularly in females. This response leads to more severe brain damage, including tau protein clumps, which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease progression.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·September 30, 2024·4 min read

Shared Genetics Found in Bipolar Disorder and Epilepsy

A new study reveals a genetic connection between bipolar disorder type I (BD-I) and epilepsy, showing shared genetic variants and a causal relationship between the two conditions. Researchers discovered six genomic loci linked to both disorders and highlighted the role of the SP4 gene, which may be key in treating both illnesses.