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Genetics

Genetics articles related to neuroscience research will be listed here.

·May 21, 2025·5 min read

Vitamin D May Slow Biological Aging

New results from the VITAL randomized trial show that daily vitamin D3 supplementation helps preserve telomere length in older adults, potentially slowing a key biological aging process. Telomeres are protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age and are associated with chronic diseases.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 21, 2025·5 min read

AI-Guided Gene Vectors Precisely Target Brain and Spinal Cells

Scientists have engineered dozens of adeno-associated virus (AAV) systems that ferry genes to specific neuron and glial subtypes in the brain and spinal cord with unprecedented accuracy. Powered by AI-selected DNA “light switches,” the vectors can switch on therapeutic or research genes only in targeted cells—eliminating the need for transgenic animals and enabling fine-grained circuit mapping, activation, or silencing.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 21, 2025·5 min read

TEAD Proteins Switch Roles in Brain Development

New research shows that TEAD proteins, long known for promoting the growth of neural progenitor cells, also help those same cells mature into neurons and glia—depending on their molecular partners. In early development, TEAD proteins bind with YAP to drive cell proliferation, but later they switch to a different partner, INSM1, which promotes cell differentiation.

This shows foods entwined into a DNA strand.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 21, 2025·4 min read

Plant-Based Diet Could Turn Back Biological Aging

A new study suggests that eating more plant-based foods rich in natural compounds called methyl adaptogens—like turmeric, berries, garlic, and green tea—may slow the body’s biological aging process. Researchers analyzed DNA methylation, a cellular marker of aging, in men aged 50 to 72 who followed a nutrient-rich, plant-forward lifestyle.

This shows sister moms and their babies.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 21, 2025·5 min read

Postpartum Psychosis May Run in Families

Women are over 10 times more likely to develop postpartum psychosis if their sister has experienced the condition, according to a major study of more than 1.6 million women. This rare but severe disorder, marked by hallucinations, paranoia, and disorganized thinking after childbirth, can have life-threatening consequences if not treated.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 20, 2025·5 min read

Newly Found Brain Switch Regulates Synapses, Offers Clues to Autism

A research team has uncovered a molecular "switch" that precisely regulates NMDA receptors, key players in brain communication, by blocking excitatory synapse overactivity. The proteins MDGA2 and EphB2 were found to compete for receptor activation, with MDGA2 acting as a natural inhibitor.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 19, 2025·6 min read

Want to Live to 115? Here’s What Research Says You Should Do

New insights from longevity research suggest that lifestyle—not just genetics—plays a vital role in living a longer, healthier life. While rare individuals like 115-year-old Ethel Caterham may benefit from exceptional genes, research shows that physical activity, diet, sleep, and stress management are key factors that can significantly influence lifespan.

This shows an older man sitting and brains.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 18, 2025·4 min read

Sitting for Hours May Shrink the Brain

Prolonged sedentary behavior in adults over 50 is linked to cognitive decline and brain shrinkage in regions vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease. Even among those who exercise regularly, spending more time sitting was associated with worse cognitive outcomes.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 18, 2025·7 min read

Parents’ Age, Ancestry, and Habits Shape New DNA Mutations

A massive genomic study has revealed that parental age, ancestry, and smoking habits subtly influence the number of new genetic mutations (de novo mutations) passed from parents to children. By analyzing whole-genome data from 10,000 parent-child trios, researchers found that most variation in mutation rates comes from parental age, especially the father’s.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 17, 2025·5 min read

Alzheimer’s Disrupts the Whole Body, Not Just the Brain

Alzheimer’s disease is traditionally seen as a brain disorder, but new research using fruit flies reveals that it also affects organs and tissues throughout the body. Scientists created an Alzheimer’s Disease Fly Cell Atlas to profile gene expression across 219 cell types in flies expressing human Alzheimer’s proteins.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 16, 2025·3 min read

Silent Switches in DNA Gave Rise to Human Intelligence

Despite sharing over 98% of our DNA with chimpanzees, humans possess strikingly advanced cognitive and emotional abilities. A new study reveals that rapid shifts in gene regulation—rather than changes in protein-coding genes—may explain this leap.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 16, 2025·4 min read

Clues in Spinal Fluid Could Unlock Early FTD Diagnosis

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a common form of early-onset dementia, is often misdiagnosed due to its overlapping symptoms with psychiatric and neurological disorders. In a new NIH-funded study, researchers identified key protein changes in spinal fluid that may serve as the first specific biomarkers for FTD in living patients.

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Genetics

Vitamin D May Slow Biological Aging

AI-Guided Gene Vectors Precisely Target Brain and Spinal Cells

TEAD Proteins Switch Roles in Brain Development

Plant-Based Diet Could Turn Back Biological Aging

Postpartum Psychosis May Run in Families

Newly Found Brain Switch Regulates Synapses, Offers Clues to Autism

Want to Live to 115? Here’s What Research Says You Should Do

Sitting for Hours May Shrink the Brain

Parents’ Age, Ancestry, and Habits Shape New DNA Mutations

Alzheimer’s Disrupts the Whole Body, Not Just the Brain

Silent Switches in DNA Gave Rise to Human Intelligence

Clues in Spinal Fluid Could Unlock Early FTD Diagnosis

Astrocytes Take the Lead: Hidden Stars of Brain Rhythms Revealed

Mental Health Benefits of Exercise Depend on Context

Later-Born Neurons Mature Faster to Keep Networks in Balance

Find Exercise You Enjoy: Personality Shapes Fitness Success

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