Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder often run in families. In a new international collaboration, researchers explored the genetic connections between these and other disorders of the brain at a scale that far eclipses previous work on the subject. The team determined that psychiatric disorders share many genetic variants, while neurological disorders (such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s) appear more distinct. Continue reading “Psychiatric disorders share an underlying genetic basis”
Evidence of Hepatitis B have been found in Bronze Age DNA
Researchers have found that evidence of Hepatitis B in human DNA dates back to the Bronze Age, earlier than previously though. It seems the disease was spread in humans across Eurasia for millennia, in contrast to previous evidence dating it only 450 years back. Continue reading “Evidence of Hepatitis B have been found in Bronze Age DNA”
Britain’s prehistoric catastrophe revealed: How 90% of the neolithic population vanished in just 300 years
Extraordinary new genetic evidence is revealing how Britain experienced a mysterious almost total change in its population in just a few centuries after the construction of Stonehenge.
It suggests that some sort of social, economic or epidemiological catastrophe unfolded. Continue reading “Britain’s prehistoric catastrophe revealed: How 90% of the neolithic population vanished in just 300 years”
Worldwide study triples number of known genetic risk factors for stroke
A landmark international study of DNA samples from 520,000 individuals worldwide — including 67,000 affected individuals — identified 22 new genetic risk factors for stroke. Sudha Seshadri, M.D., of UT Health San Antonio, is senior co-author of this largest genetic study of stroke to date. Nature Genetics published the results online today [March 12/2018]. Continue reading “Worldwide study triples number of known genetic risk factors for stroke”
New genetic variations linked to educational attainment: Genetic overlap between cognitive ability and longevity
Investigators at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research discovered dozens of new genetic variations associated with a person’s general cognitive ability. The findings, which were published online today in Cell Reports, have the potential to help researchers develop more targeted treatment for cognitive and memory disorders. Continue reading “New genetic variations linked to educational attainment: Genetic overlap between cognitive ability and longevity”
Inherited IQ can increase in early childhood
When it comes to intelligence, environment and education matter — more than we think. Continue reading “Inherited IQ can increase in early childhood”
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