Genetic Link Between Cannabis Use Disorder and Mental Health

Summary: 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…

Neurons Store Backup Energy to Power the Brain Under Stress

Summary: 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…

Child Maltreatment Accelerates Aging and Hinders Social Development

Summary: 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…

Why Your Baby Cries: It’s Largely Written in Their Genes

Summary: A new twin study reveals that how much an infant cries is strongly influenced by genetics, leaving parents with limited control over this behavior. Researchers found that at two…

Gene Therapy Restores Hearing in Those with Deafness

Summary: A new study shows that gene therapy can significantly improve hearing in both children and adults with congenital deafness caused by mutations in the OTOF gene. The therapy uses…

Tiny RNA Mark Helps Explain Brain Wiring and Mental Disorders

Summary: New research reveals how a tiny chemical mark on RNA helps wire the brain during development. Scientists discovered that m6A methylation regulates the production of proteins essential for axon…

One Gene Rewires Fear Circuits and Fuels Anxiety

Summary: Researchers have uncovered how losing the autism-linked gene PTEN in a specific set of inhibitory neurons reshapes brain circuits tied to fear and anxiety. Using advanced circuit-mapping techniques, they…

How PTSD Disrupts Brain Cell Communication

Summary: A new study has examined brains affected by PTSD at the single-cell level, uncovering distinct genetic alterations that may drive the disorder. Researchers focused on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,…

Different Autism Genes, Same Brain Signature

Summary: New research shows that different genetic forms of autism may produce a shared brain activity pattern, revealing a potential common neural signature despite distinct genetic origins. Using brain-wide recordings…

Genetic Sensitivity to Environment May Shape Mental Health Traits

Summary: A large international study of over 21,000 identical twins has identified genetic variants that influence how individuals respond to life experiences, affecting traits such as anxiety, depression, and autistic…