Articles tagged with Behavior Genetics
A new study found that public understanding of genetics can reduce stereotypes on homosexuality and gay marriage by making same-sex relationships less stigmatized. The researchers discovered that attributing homosexuality to genetics leads to more favorable stereotypic judgments about homosexuals.
A Northwestern University study shows that engaging environment can alleviate depression in genetically depressed rats, suggesting that nurture can override nature. The study found that psychotherapy and behavioral activation therapy can change blood biomarkers for depression, potentially leading to more precise treatment.
Researchers found that flies exhibit anxiety-like behaviors in response to heat stress, solitary confinement, and Valium treatment. The study identifies several new genes related to anxiety behavior in flies, shedding light on the evolutionary origins of anxiety.
New research suggests genetic risk underlying autism spectrum disorders affects a range of behavioral and developmental traits across the population. Those diagnosed with ASD represent a severe presentation of these traits, which also occur in unaffected individuals.
Researchers develop mouse model of Jacobsen syndrome, a rare inherited disease that affects social behavior and brain function. The study finds that the anti-anxiety drug clonazepam reduces autistic features in mice, suggesting potential for new therapies.
A study by Drexel University researchers found that surface-going cave crickets show a higher degree of genetic isolation than their cave-dwelling cousins. The crickets' ability to disperse and breed with other populations was previously thought to lead to less genetic variation, but the study's findings suggest otherwise. This has imp...
A study published in The BMJ found that communicating genetic disease risk estimates has no significant effect on behavior change, including smoking cessation and physical activity. Despite high interest in personalized medicine, the research suggests that genetic testing may not motivate people to adopt healthier behaviors.
A study published in The BMJ found that genetic tests providing risk estimates for diseases like lung cancer and heart disease have little to no effect on behavior change. Despite initial hopes, informing individuals of their genetic risk did not prompt them to adopt healthier habits or quit smoking.
Scientists discovered that scale-eating cichlids gradually acquire lateralized behavior as they learn to eat scales from one side of their mouth. The study found a correlation between mouth asymmetry and the direction of attack on prey, with older fish having more skewed mouths that ate more scales.
A new study in Behavioral Ecology suggests that young male western bluebirds may benefit from living with their parents as helpers for a year before starting a nest of their own. This cooperative breeding strategy can increase both the parents' and the helper's lifespans, as well as reproductive fitness.
Researchers discovered a molecular link between mood disorders and circadian rhythms in a study on familial advanced sleep phase (FASP) and faulty PER3 gene variants. Mice carrying the faulty gene exhibited depression-like symptoms when exposed to short light periods, mirroring human seasonal affective disorder.
Research in Child Development Journal explores gene-environment interaction and epigenetics' role in shaping child behavior. Studies link methylation of specific genes to important developmental outcomes from prenatal period through young adulthood.
Scientists identify protein interference with nucleocytoplasmic transport as essential for causing ALS and FTD. Toxic dipeptide repeat proteins translate from repeat-containing RNA disrupt normal cellular function.
Researchers developed a new method to study genetic differences between long-separated species of yeast, providing insights into how mutations shape growth and behavior. The discovery has implications for understanding age-related diseases and developing new treatments.
Researchers found that enslaved Formica ant colonies were more genetically and chemically diverse than their free-living counterparts. This diversity is likely caused by seasonal raids to steal pupae from adjacent host colonies, leading to changes in how the ants recognize nest mates.
Researchers found that defective epigenetic reprogramming in embryos can lead to abnormal repetitive behaviors and changes in brain wiring in adulthood. Studies using genetically engineered mice showed that the enzyme KDM1A plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression during development.
Researchers found that estrogens selectively calm hyperactive behavior in zebrafish with a genetic mutation linked to autism. The study suggests estrogens may target specific brain pathways affected in ASD, which could lead to new treatments for the condition.
A randomized controlled study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that providing information about coronary artery disease risk to patients undergoing genetic testing for Alzheimer's disease improved health behaviors and reduced distress. The study suggests that the disclosure of secondary findings from genomic testing can h...
A longitudinal study found that exposure to violence in childhood is linked to increased symptoms of conduct disorder and antisocial personality in adolescence and adulthood. The MAOA gene was also identified as a key moderator of this relationship, with certain variants increasing the risk of aggressive behavior and partner violence.
Research supports theory of kin selection, suggesting that altruistic behavior occurs to pass genes to next generation. Genes inherited from queen promote altruistic behavior in worker bees, while those from father's promote selfish behavior.
Researchers found that genetic variants in the beta-3 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors can alter nicotine behavior. People carrying the more common version are more likely to have problems with nicotine use.
A new study identifies genetic influences on anxiety in chickens that may also apply to mice and humans. The research found that genes linked to anxiety in chickens were associated with similar behaviors in mice, while some were connected to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in large human studies.
Researchers found that compounds blocking histone deacetylases activated genes making one ant worker behave like another without changing their instructions. This study may provide insights into mechanisms behind behavioral disorders.
Researchers identified 13 inherited sleep and activity measures linked to bipolar disorder, including later waking times and shorter periods of activity. The study provides clues to the genetic nature of the disorder and potential new approaches for prevention and treatment.
A recent report finds that genetic information and data collection from noninvasive devices can help develop personalized weight management plans. With the falling cost of genome sequencing and portable monitors, scientists have the ability to collect the necessary data but need better analytical tools to analyze it.
Researchers found that a specific COMT gene variant is associated with higher cortisol levels in stressed Japanese macaques, leading to more aggressive behavior. This study provides insight into the genetic basis of stress hormone production in non-human primates and its potential connections to human behavior.
Harvard Medical School scientists developed a computational technique to analyze mouse movements, organizing them into distinct pose sequences with their own syllables and grammar. This breakthrough solves the problem of objectively studying complex animal behavior without human observers.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that natural selection drives prairie voles to be either fully monogamous or seek multiple partners due to genetic brain differences. The findings suggest that these genetic variations are not favored by natural selection, but rather co-exist in the population.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a gene, Hnrnph1, that is casually associated with the behavioral response to methamphetamine. This finding may have implications for understanding the genetic basis of methamphetamine addiction and developing novel therapeutics.
A recent RMIT University study found that a father's diet before conception can affect the mental health of their unborn children. The research discovered that genetic changes caused by the father's diet were passed on to the next generation, leading to differences in anxiety levels and behavior.
A female bonobo named Kuni was found to have a spontaneous drumming tempo of 270 beats per minute, faster than observed in human children. She synchronized her drumming with the human drummer on 54% of trials, with greater success near her preferred tempo.
Researchers discovered that treating newborn mice with bumetanide can almost completely prevent the disease progression and allow them to develop normally. The study suggests that timing is crucial, as treatment within the first two postnatal weeks can normalize brain activity and behavior.
Researchers developed a new system to image individual neurons in the marmoset brain, overcoming limitations with two-photon microscopy. This allows for long-term study of neural activity related to cognitive and social behaviors.
Researchers have discovered a 'supergene' underlying genetic differences in sexual behaviour among male ruffs, with Satellite and Faeder males carrying a chromosomal inversion that has been maintained for about 4 million years. The study found an association between the 'supergene', testosterone levels, and altered behaviour.
Researchers have identified specific genes that determine the mating behaviors of male ruff birds, including territorial, satellite, and female-mimicking types. The study reveals that these behaviors are encoded by a 'supergene' that controls multiple traits, including hormones, feathering, color, and size.
A study by Penn Medicine and Monell Chemical Senses Center found a genetic taste receptor linked to improved breathing, reduced infections, and enhanced sleep outcomes for patients undergoing chronic sinus surgery. The discovery may improve treatment selection process and set realistic expectations for patients.
Genetic divergence analysis reveals distinct groups among owl populations in southern Chile and comparisons with distant areas. The study suggests the existence of new species, with geographic isolation likely contributing to evolution.
Researchers found that worker wasps in colonies with more full siblings are more likely to kill their queens, allowing them to lay male eggs and outcompete the queen for reproduction. This behavior is driven by kin selection theory, which predicts that workers favor close relatives over distant ones.
A study by the University of Exeter found that female insects are more likely to have multiple partners in colder climates and prefer monogamy in hotter conditions. The research suggests that an individual's genes play a significant role in determining their mating behavior.
A recent University of Virginia-led study found that naked mole-rats are not genetically isolated and are actually part of larger wild populations with diverse genetics. This challenges the long-held assumption about their social behavior and mating habits.
New research suggests that jurors may support an insanity defense if they believe a defendant has a genetic explanation for their actions, but also view them as a persistent threat. The study found that participants were more likely to support a diminished capacity defense and believed the defendant had less control over their actions.
Researchers found that variation in a single gene, plep-1, produces males with excretory pores attracting other males. This attraction is likely never manifest in nature due to the rarity of males, but highlights the role of molecular biology and genetic differences in shaping sexual behavior.
Researchers discovered that burying beetles express specific genes controlling parenting behaviors when single-parented, but not when appearing to co-parent. This finding provides insights into the fundamental genetics of parenthood in insects and may inform studies on social dynamics in other animals.
A UK Biobank study has identified genetic differences that affect lung health, including those who smoke and never smoked. The research may lead to improved treatments for diseases like COPD and help smokers quit.
A new UK Biobank study has identified six independent genetic variants associated with lung health and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The findings also suggest that genetic variations affecting gene regulation may play a role in COPD, providing potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies.
Researchers found that genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to AMD in a synergistic way, increasing risk for women with heavy smoking and poor diet. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can lower AMD risk.
Researchers at the University of Utah are exploring the link between congenital heart defects and neurological disorders in children, discovering genetic mutations that affect both heart and brain function. The goal is to develop precision medicine for CHD patients and tailor treatment based on genomic sequence.
Researchers discovered noncanonical genomic imprinting in mice brains, affecting serotonin and dopamine production. The study highlights a targeted form of genetic control that can influence offspring behavior and may contribute to brain disorders like autism.
Researchers found that two neighboring chimpanzee groups used distinct tool lengths despite identical army ant species availability, indicating cultural knowledge generated small-scale diversification. This study provides insights into what drives cultural differences in chimpanzees and sheds light on human cultural evolution.
Researchers found that 35% of patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (diagnosed before age 35) have a genetic disease, highlighting the need for genetic counseling to identify high-risk family members. Gene panel testing is recommended to uncover underlying mutations, allowing for preventive measures and earlier screening.
A recent study by Kelly Klump at Michigan State University reveals that ovarian hormones influence eating disorders in women by turning genetic risk on and off. Changes in hormone levels drive increases in binge eating and emotional eating across the menstrual cycle.
Researchers found that schizophrenia patients have a higher-than-normal share of rare genetic mutations, highlighting the complex genetic architecture of the disorder. The study supports the hypothesis that schizophrenia may originate during early brain development.
A new study published in PNAS found that anxious parents are more likely to have anxious offspring, and that an over-active brain circuit may set the stage for developing anxiety and depressive disorders. The research identified three brain regions responsible for passing anxiety from generation to generation.
Leonid Kruglyak, a renowned geneticist, received the 2015 Curt Stern Award for his pioneering work on understanding gene interactions and genome-wide association studies. His laboratory has developed powerful model organisms for studying complex genetic variation.
A study by the University of Leicester reveals that a thermosensory gene called TrpA1 is linked to changes in behavior in flies during warmer climates. The research suggests that this gene plays a crucial role in regulating the biological clock, which is essential for controlling circadian rhythms.
Scientists used genetic analysis of otter droppings, known as spraint, to estimate the size of the population. They found around 20 otters living in a 35-square-kilometer area, with numbers fluctuating depending on pond yields.
The study analyzes 100,000 Californians' health records and genetic data to track down genetic contributions to disease. Researchers have identified genetic variants linked to various diseases, including prostate cancer, allergies, and diabetes.
A new study finds that genetic risk scores for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are higher in creative individuals, suggesting a shared genetic root with creativity. This association could provide new clues about the underlying biological pathways of psychiatric disorders.
A new study led by Dr. Jinbo Bi at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering aims to find the genetic causes of specific symptoms of substance addiction. The study will use a database of over 11,000 subjects and develop new statistical tools to classify substance dependence more effectively.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have identified a genetic mutation that produces certain autistic behaviors in mice. They also found a therapeutic strategy to restore normal behaviors by reversing the disruption of neuronal communication, suggesting a promising treatment for autism.