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Genetics

Genetics articles related to neuroscience research will be listed here.

·September 10, 2024·5 min read

Chemical Exposure May Lead to Early Puberty in Girls

New research reveals that girls exposed to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may experience early puberty, which is linked to various health risks. These chemicals, including musk ambrette found in personal care products, can stimulate key receptors in the brain that control puberty.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·September 9, 2024·4 min read

Gene Therapy Offers Hope for Glaucoma and AMD

A newly developed gene therapy shows great potential for treating glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss. The therapy protects retinal ganglion cells, essential for vision, and improves their function in animal models of glaucoma. It also enhances energy production in human retinal cells, which could prevent further damage. This therapy offers a new and promising approach to treating a condition that affects millions worldwide.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 9, 2024·4 min read

Study Sheds Light on Stem Cell Aging Process

Scientists identified key changes in chromosome structure and gene expression that contribute to stem cell exhaustion during aging. Using fruit flies, they discovered that blocking the gene ced-6 led to stem cell depletion, even in young organisms.

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Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·September 6, 2024·3 min read

Neurodevelopmental Disruptions Behind Schizophrenia Cognitive Deficits

A recent review of genetic and population studies reveals that premorbid cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, such as lower IQ, are largely due to neurodevelopmental disruptions rather than inherited genetic variants that directly increase schizophrenia risk. The findings suggest that non-familial factors, including rare genetic mutations and environmental influences, play a significant role in both cognitive impairments and schizophrenia risk.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·September 6, 2024·4 min read

Gene Therapy Restores Vision

A new gene therapy has restored vision in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis type I (LCA1), a rare genetic condition causing blindness. In a small trial, those receiving the highest dose saw up to a 10,000-fold improvement in light sensitivity and significant gains in reading and navigation abilities.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 5, 2024·2 min read

RNA Therapy Improves Memory and Reduces Anxiety

An RNA-based therapy, COG-201, can enhance memory and reduce anxiety in animal models by targeting the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. Scientists found that decreasing this receptor’s expression led to improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety-like behaviors in mice and rats.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 5, 2024·4 min read

Critical Longevity Gene Discovered

Researchers have identified a protein called OSER1 that plays a key role in regulating longevity, offering new insights into why some people live longer than others. Found in humans and animals alike, OSER1 was discovered as part of a group of proteins linked to lifespan and aging.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·September 5, 2024·6 min read

Schizophrenia Linked to Disrupted Synaptic Plasticity

Researchers have identified a mechanism that impairs synaptic plasticity in individuals with schizophrenia, revealing the role of three key proteins. Using computational modeling, the team explored how genetic alterations affect the brain’s ability to strengthen or weaken synaptic connections, a crucial process for memory and learning.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 4, 2024·6 min read

“Forever Chemicals” May Disrupt Brain Development

Exposure to PFAS, chemicals found in everyday products, can disrupt brain development in zebrafish, a model often used to predict effects in humans. Researchers discovered that PFAS activate specific genes related to behavior changes in zebrafish larvae, particularly those in the ppar gene group.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 4, 2024·5 min read

How Astrocytes Can Become Nerve Cells

A new study reveals that astrocytes, a type of brain cell, can transform into nerve cells through changes in DNA methylation. Researchers discovered that astrocytes in certain brain regions have a unique methylation pattern, allowing them to generate nerve cells.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·August 29, 2024·4 min read

Study Links Gene Variations to Brain Changes in Essential Tremor

Researchers identified how gene variations lead to brain changes associated with essential tremor, a common movement disorder affecting over 60 million people worldwide. The study used brain MRI scans and genetic data from over 33,000 adults to uncover genetic links to structural changes in the brain's cortex and cerebellum.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·August 28, 2024·4 min read

Increase in Protein Linked to Salt Intake Implicated in Multiple Sclerosis

Researchers have uncovered that increased levels of the protein PRDM1-S, triggered by high salt intake, disrupt immune regulation and contribute to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS). This discovery reveals how environmental factors, such as diet, can influence genetic mechanisms, leading to T cell dysfunction. The findings suggest that targeting PRDM1-S could lead to new treatments for a range of autoimmune disorders.