Two new research studies published in Biological Psychiatry point to progressive abnormalities in brain development that emerge as vulnerable individuals develop schizophrenia. One of the studies details the deletion of a small section of chromosome 22, while the other used brain imaging to track brain development in at-risk (for schizophrenia) adolescents over a 10 year […]
Tag Archives | genes
Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease Have Disruption Of Brain Circadian Rhythms
Twenty-four hour cycles, known as circadian rhythms, are important for proper body functions, including for normal brain function and mental health. Disruptions of circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles have been observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. A new study by Douglas Institute researchers unravels a possible basis for these perturbations.
Twin Studies Reveal Genetic And Environmental Influences On ADHD Behaviors And Academic Achievement
Humans are not born as blank slates for nature to write on. Neither are they behaving on genes alone. Research by Lee A. Thompson, chair of Case Western Reserve University’s Psychological Sciences Department, and colleagues found that the link between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and academic performance involves a complex interaction of genes and environment.
Researchers Identify Specific Genetic And Psychosocial Risk Factors Of PTSD
Two related studies released by this week by Geisinger Health System researchers identify specific genetic risks associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and help identify key psychosocial predictors that may lead to PTSD. The study was led by Joseph Boscarino, Ph.D., MPH, senior investigator for the Geisinger Center for Health Research.
Resurrection Of The Initially Ground Breaking Discovery Of A ‘Depression Gene’
University of Michigan Health System researchers have found new evidence that our genes help determine our susceptibility to depression. Their findings, which were published online today in the Archives of General Psychiatry, challenge a 2009 study that called the genetic link into question and adds new support to earlier research hailed as a medical breakthrough.
Spontaneous Mutations Are Important Cause Of Mental Retardation
Dutch geneticists affiliated with the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre present as a novel research paradigm that spontaneous mutations are an important cause of mental retardation. The majority of mental retardation is caused by spontaneous mutations in paternal sperm or maternal egg cells. With this conclusion, the Dutch geneticists not only resolve an important paradox, […]
Genetic Changes Rewire The Brain In Autism
Many gene variants have been linked to autism, but how do these subtle changes alter the brain, and ultimately, behavior? Using a blend of brain imaging and genetic detective work, scientists at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior are the first to illustrate how genetic variants rewire […]
Knowledge Of Genetic Cancer Risks Often Taken To The Grave
If you were dying from cancer, would you consider genetic testing? A recent study conducted by researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center showed that most terminally ill cancer patients who were eligible for genetic testing never received it despite that it could potentially save a relative’s life. The research, “Exploring Hereditary Cancer Among […]
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