Immune System Gene Linked to Hyperactivity, ADHD and Autism

Summary: Researchers have uncovered a link between the immune gene regulator STAT1 and hyperactive behaviors in mice, offering new insights into neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD. STAT1, vital for…

Presence of white spots on MRI brain scans linked to genetic risk of dementia in older adults

Association between white matter hyperintensities and cortical thickness. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53689-1 They show up as bright white spots when you get a brain MRI: lesions called white…

Major genetic defect linked to female infertility identified

Manhattan plots for female infertility. Credit: The American Journal of Human Genetics (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.10.018 Up to 15% of all couples suffer from infertility at some point in their lives.…

War Impacts Child Development, Alters DNA

Summary: War exposure in Syrian refugee children triggered unique DNA methylation changes, marking genes involved in brain development and stress responses. These epigenetic changes suggest potential long-term effects on health…

Large-scale genetic study identifies 14 genes linked to neuroticism

Study overview. Credit: Nature Human Behaviour (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-02045-w Neuroticism is a key personality trait described by well-established psychological theories, associated with a tendency towards emotional instability and negative emotions.…

New Gene-Editing Tool Targets Mutations with Unmatched Precision

Summary: A breakthrough tool called Helicase-Assisted Continuous Editing (HACE) allows scientists to create precise genetic mutations in specific genes without affecting the rest of the genome. By combining helicase enzymes…

Mapping Protein Changes Across Aging

Summary: Researchers have developed the Mouse Aging Proteomic Atlas, a comprehensive database detailing protein changes in major tissues as mice age. By analyzing proteomes and transcriptomes across tissues like the…

Huntington’s Gene Enhances Early Brain Growth and Intelligence

Summary: A study reveals that the genetic mutation causing Huntington’s disease (HD) enhances brain development and intelligence in early life, but leads to degeneration in adulthood. Children with the HD…

Glial Cells May Influence Depression and Schizophrenia

Summary: New research highlights neuroglia (or glia cells) as critical players in mental health, potentially influencing conditions like depression and schizophrenia. Glia cells, long considered “support cells” in the brain,…

How higher brain care score can improve brain health regardless of genetic risk

Credit: RDNE Stock project from Pexels A study, published in the journal Neurology has explored whether healthy lifestyle choices, measured by a Brain Care Score (BCS), can lower the risk…