Articles tagged with Behavior Genetics
Researchers at Oregon State University identified a genetic marker linked to Williams-Beuren syndrome, a disorder characterized by hypersocial behavior. The study found domesticated dogs exhibit an exaggerated motivation to seek social contact compared to wolves, leading to prolonged proximity and gazing at humans.
A new study reveals that domesticated dogs and humans share a common genetic basis for social behavior, with unique genetic insertions associated with human-directed social behaviors in dogs. This finding challenges the conventional view of dog domestication and highlights the evolutionary conservation of sociability across species.
A team of researchers has created behavior anatomy maps in fruit flies to understand how specific brain circuits generate aggression, wing extension, or grooming behaviors. The data will help neurobiologists assign behaviors to neurons and study brain circuits.
The copepod Calanus finmarchicus uses a genetic clock to regulate its daily vertical migration, which is likely the largest daily movement of biomass worldwide. This internal rhythm influences the entire food web in the North Atlantic and has significant implications for marine ecosystems.
Researchers at Wayne State University are investigating how genetic factors impact the benefits of exercise, using a fruit fly model to identify novel targets for therapeutic pharmaceuticals. The study aims to understand how exercise adaptations can be induced in patients who cannot perform regular physical activity.
Researchers have developed a new technique called Cal-Light to visualize and control neuronal activity. This tool allows for the observation of specific populations of cells implicated in particular behaviors, enabling precise manipulation and dissection of complex neural circuits.
Eiman Azim receives $240,000 grant to investigate neural circuits controlling skilled movements. He aims to deepen understanding of nervous system control and develop approaches to restore function in motor circuits affected by injury or disease.
A new study from Harvard Medical School suggests that RNA splicing errors, caused by a specific mutation in the C9ORF72 gene, may lead to the development of both Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The researchers found that toxic peptides produced by this mutation can prevent accurate assembly of the...
A new study by researchers at Uppsala University reveals that genetic differences between species are the key to song discrimination in juvenile songbirds. The study finds that even when exposed to songs from other species, young birds selectively learn and discriminate their own species' songs.
Researchers have developed a new fruit fly model to investigate the link between proline metabolism and aggression in neuropsychiatric disorders. The study found that disrupting a specific protein in the brain can induce increased aggression, highlighting the importance of precise regulation of proline metabolism for normal behavior.
Researchers Troy Zars and Elizabeth King will use advanced genomic technologies and behavioral techniques to identify genes influencing learning and memory performance in fruit flies. The study aims to uncover the genetic basis of complex traits and shed light on brain function.
A new study from NIMBioS explores human social norms and their evolution. The model found that norm internalization readily evolves in both 'us-vs.-nature' and 'us-vs.-them' scenarios, suggesting a genetic variation in humans' ability to internalize norms.
A recent study from Indiana University challenges the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to control disease-carrying insect populations. The research found that naturally occurring genetic variation can render CRISPR-based methods ineffective, complicating efforts to prevent diseases like malaria and crop blights.
The article explores the benefits and drawbacks of personalized medicine, highlighting concerns over data ownership and access to cancer treatments. It proposes changes within the industry to achieve a more value-based pathway to drug development, prioritizing low- and middle-income countries.
Research found that BPA exposure during early development alters genetic pathways, leading to changes in mitochondrial and ribosomal pathways. This can affect cognitive flexibility and memory. The study suggests permanent reprogramming of the brain with developmental exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Researchers aim to harness the power of CRISPR/Cas9 in electric fish for model biology studies, enabling breakthroughs in bioelectrogenesis and genome function. The grant will enable development of genetic tools for monitoring and manipulating gene activity.
JAX researcher Catherine Kaczorowski will receive a $2.7M federal grant to investigate the complex processes involved in both healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease through genomic studies. The goal is to identify genetic factors, mechanisms underlying normal aging, and potential targets for intervention against Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that genetic variations influence fruit fly larvae's ability to associate odors with pain and pleasure, leading to better decision-making about pupation. The study suggests a link between learning and environmental cues, highlighting the complex interplay of nature and nurture in shaping behavior.
A UCLA study has discovered a pair of genes in Caenorhabditis elegans that encode both a poison and its antidote, representing a clear example of 'selfish genetic elements'. The research suggests that these elements could be used to stop the spread of diseases like malaria.
A recent study by UTHealth researchers has identified genetic alterations in children at high risk for bipolar disorder, which can be modulated by stress. The findings suggest that these genetic markers may contribute to the increased risk of developing bipolar disorder in children chronically exposed to stressors.
Researchers found a genetic explanation for how smoking contributes to coronary heart disease, revealing a single gene variant that loses its protective effect in smokers. This discovery opens doors to new therapeutic targets and personalized approaches to preventing CHD.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers links cannabis use in adolescence to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. The research found that psychoactive compound THC triggers brain defects associated with the disorder in genetically susceptible individuals.
Researchers found that different genes influence behaviors in males and females, and the gene for vasopressin is closely tied to nest-building behavior in mice. The study challenges the idea that experience drives parenting behavior and suggests that genetics play a significant role.
A study found that imbalances in neural pathways may contribute to repetitive behaviors in autism. Researchers discovered a key gene, SHANK3, which guides synaptic development and function, and its deficiency led to repetitive grooming behavior and social interaction deficits.
A team of researchers solved a medical mystery in just one day, identifying the genetic cause of intellectual disability in four male patients. They used advanced technology to search genomic databases and connect with other researchers, ultimately finding three more patients with the same condition.
Research by Osaka University identifies cohesin as key regulator of chromosome structure controlling nerve cell network formation and gene regulation. Mice with reduced cohesin expression exhibited neuronal defects, increased anxiety and behavioral problems.
Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown identify apterous neurons as key indicators of female receptivity in fruit flies. The discovery links a female's walking speed to her willingness to mate, with silencing these neurons reducing her receptivity.
Researchers explore effects of human-provided foods on large predators, finding changes in social structures, movements, and behavior. Human-fed populations often form distinct genetic subgroups, potentially leading to future speciation events.
A new study found that nighttime light exposure can pass on immune and endocrine problems to hamster offspring. Researchers at Ohio State University exposed adult hamsters to dim light at night, then monitored their effects on the next generation.
Researchers identified neurons in the amygdala that promote reward-related behaviors and suppress fear responses, finding that appetitive behaviors are driven by the same circuitry as defensive behaviors. The study reveals a push-pull mechanism in the brain regulating emotional states and behaviors.
Researchers at UC have found unique courtship behaviors in wolf spiders that contribute to their genetic isolation. The studies, conducted by graduate students Emily Pickett and Madeline Lallo, reveal varying strategies among species to woo females, including vibrations and visual signals.
Researchers found that removing GRASP1 protein reduced mice's ability to learn and recall information. The protein plays a crucial role in recycling receptors in brain cells, which is essential for strengthening neural connections required for learning and memory.
A recent study found that a combination of genetic predisposition, early stress, and male sex increases the risk of social avoidance in individuals with autism. The researchers tested this theory using mice and found evidence supporting the idea that these three factors build on each other to produce the social avoidance characteristic...
The study identified 61 genetic variations that affect autism risk, including copy number variations and chromosomal abnormalities. Many of these variations were found in areas of the genome once considered 'junk DNA,' suggesting a crucial role in controlling gene activity during brain development.
Researchers developed an RNAi-based strategy to study the link between genes and host-finding behaviors in Steinernema carpocapsae. The method successfully knocked down a gene that codes for FLP-21, inhibiting jumping and sensory perception behaviors.
Researchers at Bielefeld University found that cultivated scallops have a unique genetic structure compared to their natural counterparts. The study used RAD sequencing and microsatellites to analyze the genetic architecture of nine scallop populations, revealing differences in the artificially cultivated type.
A study found that genetic differences in the spinal cord of embryos contribute to handedness, with the left side maturing faster than the right. This early difference may trigger later brain asymmetries, including language dominance in most adults.
Researchers at MUSC have identified novel potassium channel genes that correlate with drinking levels and may advance personalized medicine approaches for treating heavy drinking. A KV7 channel-positive modulator reduced heavy alcohol consumption in mouse models, suggesting these genes as promising therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that genetic makeup of social partners significantly impacts wound healing, anxiety, and body weight in mice. The study provides insights into the mechanisms of social genetic effects and their potential application to human health.
Scientists at the University of Sussex discovered that wasps trade partners compete for the 'best deal', influenced by market forces. The study showed that supply and demand theory can predict insect behavior, revealing parallels between wasp populations and human business markets.
Research at University of Colorado Boulder reveals nicotine reverses hypofrontality in mice with schizophrenic characteristics, suggesting novel non-addictive treatment option for 51 million people worldwide affected by the disease.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory demonstrate how MECP2 mutations impair adult learning in female mice. They show that normal MECP2 gene expression is required for learning a natural behavior, and that impaired MECP2 expression causes a cascade of molecular failures leading to neural plasticity deficits.
A national consortium of researchers is studying the pros and cons of genome sequencing for newborn health, raising questions about parental responsibility and child autonomy. The four studies across the US aim to develop evidence for guidelines on effectively incorporating new technology into newborn screening or care.
A study by University of Florida researchers found that people generally believe in free will despite physical constraints, and this belief influences their opinions on policy. The findings support the philosophy of libertarian paternalism, which balances individual freedom with gentle nudges towards better behavior.
A University of Michigan study found that less than 2% of customers regret receiving genetic health data and only about 1% are harmed by the results. The majority of participants were interested in ancestry information, with 74% wanting to know their ancestral origins.
Researchers have created a genetically induced obesity model in fruit flies, shedding light on the brain's 'fullness' signal. The model highlights a hormone called unpaired 1, which plays a crucial role in regulating eating behavior and weight gain.
A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology finds that poverty is a major contributor to obesity, particularly for individuals with a high genetic risk. The research used data from 120,000 individuals and suggests that targeting specific behaviors or environments may not be an effective solution to reducing obesity.
Research from the University of Oxford found that a woman's family background is the major factor in delaying motherhood, with education contributing only 1.5 months to the total six-month delay.
Research reveals that genes affecting social communication in children overlap with those for autism and schizophrenia, but influence risk differently at various stages of development. This study provides new insights into the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders and their relationship to social competence.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic disorder affecting children, by activating silenced genes. The NIH-funded study found that two drugs, UNC0638 and UNC0642, improved survival and growth outcomes in mice with PWS.
Researchers identified a link between Huntington's disease and dysfunction of the subthalamic nucleus, leading to progressive loss of nerve cells and debilitating symptoms. The study suggests that early problems in the subthalamic nucleus contribute to the development of the disease.
A new imaging genetics study has linked dopamine genes to music's impact on mood and emotions. The study found that a functional variation in the DRD2 gene affects how music influences mood states and brain activity.
Researchers found that young paternal fathers produced offspring with impaired vocal communication, while older fathers resulted in hyperlocomotion. The study provides insight into the potential mechanisms underlying the rise of these disorders.
Rice University biologist Julia Saltz found that fruit flies' genotypes and behaviors affect their social environments. In experiments, she observed that males in preferred groups were more aggressive than those in nonpreferred groups, while losing an encounter made them less aggressive.
A randomized controlled trial found that providing personalized genetic and phenotypic risk estimates for type 2 diabetes did not significantly increase physical activity among healthy adults. Despite improved perception of risk, participants showed no notable behavior changes or weight modifications.
Researchers have developed an associative learning model that explains how animals create effective behaviors, such as self-control and tool use. The model suggests that genetic regulation of learning influences species-specific behavior and intelligence.
A study of over 105,000 light and heavy social drinkers found a variation in the β-Klotho gene associated with decreased desire for alcohol. The less frequent variant is seen in approximately 40% of participants and is linked to a reduced risk of excessive drinking.
Researchers have identified a small neural circuit in male fruit flies that controls the complex mating ritual, with specific groups of cells controlling distinct steps. The findings suggest a mechanism for separating sex from reproductive function and provide insight into universal principles of nervous system coordination.
Researchers at German Resilience Center found that corticotrophs rapidly influence avoidance behavior after stress onset, contradicting previous slow effects of hormones. This breakthrough suggests new treatments for acute stress-induced reactions and alleviating conditions.
Researchers used fruit flies to investigate the genetic and neural bases of detecting painful or harmful cold stimuli. The study found that cold-sensing neurons activate specific aversive behaviors and are linked to a gene implicated in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.