New textbook sheds light on aging

Credit: Springer A new textbook provides an overview on the present understanding of aging—from the basic biology of aging to age-related diseases and to the role of lifestyle and the…

Muscle Proteins Trigger Desire for Exercise

Summary: A new study reveals that certain muscle proteins activated during exercise can increase the desire to stay active, shedding light on a muscle-brain signaling pathway. The research suggests that…

Unraveling Schizophrenia: Genetics and Environmental Insights

Summary: A recent review outlines the genetic complexity of schizophrenia, highlighting nearly 300 common genetic variants and over 20 rare variants linked to the disorder. Researchers emphasize that schizophrenia’s genetic…

Research shows genetic variants are more common in people with Parkinson’s disease than previously thought

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Investigators in the Parkinson’s Foundation-backed PD GENEration study—which reached its goal of 15,000 participants ahead of schedule this spring—found that 13% of participants have a genetic…

Umbilical Cord Blood Test Could Predict Autism Risk

Summary: A recent study suggests that measuring specific fatty acid metabolites in newborn blood could predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. Researchers found that higher levels of certain metabolites were…

Gene therapy discovery triggers hope for glaucoma patients

Modulation of tau expression in C57BL/6 mice retinas. Credit: Acta Neuropathologica Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01804-0 The protein tau is essential to the function of cells in the brain and central…

Adjusting Proteins Increases Ozempic’s Effectiveness

Summary: Adjusting melanocortin proteins in the brain enhances the effectiveness of GLP-1 diabetes and weight-loss drugs. By inhibiting MC3R or activating MC4R, mice showed increased sensitivity to these drugs, leading…

Study Reveals Structure of Alzheimer’s Molecules in Human Brain

Summary: In a groundbreaking study, scientists have determined the structure of molecules within a human brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Using cryo-electron tomography and fluorescence microscopy, researchers created 3D maps…

Researchers map the effects of all potential changes in key cancer gene

Function scores capture fitness effects mediated at both the transcript and protein 457 level. Credit: Megan Buckley et al Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have mapped all the possible…

Oxytocin’s Link to Obesity and Postnatal Depression

Summary: A new study has identified the TRPC5 gene as a cause of obesity, behavioral issues, and postnatal depression. Researchers found that missing or impaired TRPC5 genes disrupt oxytocin neurons,…