Articles tagged with Behavior Genetics
A study published in PLOS ONE found that long-lived female house mice are less active than shorter-lived counterparts, consuming less food and displaying reactive personality traits. The researchers suggest that life-history theory predicts individuals with greater life expectancy to be more cautious and energy-conserving.
A comprehensive catalog of great ape genetic diversity has been created, elucidating the evolution and population histories of six great ape species. The resource will aid in current and future conservation efforts by preserving natural genetic diversity.
Researchers found that circadian rhythm disruption and alcohol combination leads to liver disease, a previously unrecognized risk factor. The study suggests that lifestyle factors like shift work and poor sleep can promote gut leakiness and increase disease susceptibility.
A Yale team identified a key molecular mechanism underlying higher-order thinking, which is impaired in schizophrenia. The discovery of the alpha7 nicotinic receptor's role in cognitive function may lead to new treatments for cognitive disorders.
A new study found that children with higher genetic risks for asthma are not only more likely to develop the condition at a young age but also experience persistent symptoms in adulthood. Those with higher risk scores had poorer quality of life, missing work and school, and were hospitalized more often due to asthma.
Researchers have successfully implemented a genetic-based fish tagging method, called parentage-based tagging (PBT), in the Snake River Basin. This non-invasive approach allows for the collection of detailed information about hatchery-reared fish, enabling more effective fisheries management and conservation efforts.
Researchers from the Seaver Autism Center at Mount Sinai identified common clinical symptoms of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, including severe to profound intellectual disability, seizures, and low muscle tone. The study provides important guidance for developing a standardized assessment methodology for this disorder.
Researchers found that Drosophila subobscura flies acquired genetic variants tolerant to heatwaves, leading to high reproductive success for resistant genotypes. The study provides evidence of genome adaptation to temperature changes and highlights the resilience of certain organisms to environmental disturbances.
Researchers found that foster parents have a greater influence on the personalities of fostered offspring than genes inherited from birth parents. In zebra finches, personality traits can be transmitted through behaviour rather than just genetics. This study raises questions about the inheritance of personality in other species.
Researchers at UCLA found abnormal brain networks in Fragile X syndrome, a common cause of inherited autism and intellectual disability. The study suggests that neuronal excitability may be the basis for symptoms in children with FXS, including disrupted sleep, seizures, and learning disabilities.
A multi-national study identified genetic markers associated with educational attainment using data from over 125,000 individuals. The research found that genetic variants could explain about 2% of the variation in educational attainment, highlighting the complex relationship between genetics and education.
Researchers genetically engineered mosquitoes, altering their response to odors, including human scent and insect repellent DEET. The study reveals the insects' unique attraction to humans and paves the way for understanding why they are so attracted to humans, potentially leading to new repellants.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered the neural mechanism behind cockroach aversion to glucose in roach baits. This genetic trait helps roaches reject baits made with glucose, a common ingredient in roach-bait poison.
Scientists have genetically engineered mice to mimic high levels of neuregulin-1 associated with schizophrenia, and found that reversing this gene expression eliminated classic symptoms. The study suggests that targeting excessive neuregulin-1 levels could be a new approach to treating the disorder.
The new journal Violence and Gender will explore the difficult issues that are vital to threat assessment and prevention of violent acts. It aims to better understand and address differences in violent behavior between men and women to prevent tragic events.
Researchers used a method to test for evolutionary adaptation in genes regulated by FOXP2, a key factor in human development and language. The study found strong evidence for selection of FOXP2-regulated genes in European populations, highlighting their potential roles in neural cell development and immunity.
Researchers have linked autism in a mouse model to abnormalities in specific chromosomal regions and associated genes. The study provides new insights into the disease's causes and may lead to the development of new treatments.
Researchers have discovered a new therapy for fragile X chromosome syndrome by modulating the cerebral endocannabinoid system. The treatment has shown promise in normalizing cognitive alterations and sensitivity to pain in genetically modified mice, suggesting a potential new strategy for treating patients with FXS.
Researchers discovered that different wasp genotypes influence aphid behavior, including whether they die on the plant or elsewhere. The study sheds light on how genetic variation can manipulate host species.
A new NIH grant will help Dr. Daniel Geschwind expand his research on the genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders to include African American populations. The study aims to identify gene variants associated with autism in individuals of African ancestry and test their relevance in European populations.
Children with autism have excess duplicated DNA segments, which may affect the chances of developing autism. The research found a higher level of genetic changes, including common variants, in children with autism compared to typically developing children.
Research in African malaria mosquitoes reveals a more complex range of forms due to frequent inter-mating, leading to implications for controlling the disease. The resulting hybrids may have effects on insecticide resistance and malaria parasite infectivity.
Researchers found that hybrid offspring of different house mouse populations prefer mating with individuals from their father's original population, indicating a strong paternal imprinting effect. This preference accelerates the divergence of two house mouse populations and promotes speciation.
Researchers found that mice do not need to learn to vocalize and can produce the same suite of ultrasonic sounds regardless of whether they are deaf or hearing. This discovery points the way to a genetic tool for studying speech and its disorders, shifting focus from learning to genetic mechanisms.
Researchers successfully used TALENS to edit the mosquito genome, changing eye color and enabling a new approach to controlling disease transmission. This breakthrough technology holds promise for developing pathogen-resistant mosquitoes and blocking virus transmission by the mosquito.
A study published in Current Biology found that roosters' crowing is entrained to a circadian rhythm, meaning it follows a natural daily cycle. The researchers used constant light conditions and recorders to observe the birds' behavior, confirming that predawn crowing depends on an internal clock.
A new genetic study has overturned previous ideas about the evolutionary history of polar bears and brown bears. The research found that a population of brown bears on Alaskan islands had a remarkable history of hybridization with polar bears, resulting in striking genetic similarities between the two species.
Researchers have identified a genetic cause of developmental delay in Amish individuals, characterized by learning disabilities and hyperactivity. The HERC2 gene mutation leads to an unstable protein that causes similar symptoms to Angelman syndrome.
A team of international researchers has created an instruction manual for the human genome, providing a framework to understand the relationship between genetic makeup and lifestyle. The model explains how individual biological parts operate differently within each person, paving the way for tailored treatments in personalized medicine.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a simple atrial fibrillation risk prediction model for women, improving accuracy over existing methods. The model considers six easily obtainable factors: age, height, weight, blood pressure, alcohol consumption, and smoking history.
Anthropologist Robert W. Sussman explores the dangers of eugenics and the importance of cultural understanding in addressing human behavior. He argues that most individual variances result from social, environmental, and cultural exposure rather than genetics.
Research on the Florida carpenter ant reveals that epigenetic regulation plays a key role in distinguishing two worker castes with strikingly different behaviors and physical characteristics. Histone modifications, including those influenced by the CBP regulator, are found to correlate with gene expression levels and cognitive abilities.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in CELF6 that disrupts serotonin signaling and leads to common autism behaviors like communication difficulties and resistance to change. The findings provide new insights into the biological pathways underlying autism.
Researchers observed that bisphenol A exposure altered behavior in California mice differently for males and females. In females, BPA reduced exploratory behavior essential for foraging, while in males, it affected territorial marking crucial for defending a home range and mate.
Scientists review research on dog cranium development to identify genetic variations that may inform human skull development. The study suggests a connection between canine and human craniofacial development, potentially leading to new insights into craniofacial deformities such as Apert, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer syndromes.
Researchers identified a mutant mouse model of schizophrenia that exhibits mild chronic brain inflammation and cognitive deficits. The study found that Shn-2 deficiency leads to an 'immature Dentate Gyrus', which produces schizophrenia-related phenotypes. Chronic administration of anti-inflammatory drugs rescued working memory deficit ...
Researchers found that isolating mice with a genetic predisposition to mental illness caused abnormal behaviors, including hyperactivity and depression-like symptoms. Administering a cortisol-blocking compound restored normal behavior, highlighting the role of stress hormones in the development of severe mental illness.
A study on rhesus macaques found that their social network behavior is influenced by genetics and heritability. Pro-social monkeys with strong networks had greater reproductive success, while aggression had a weaker link to heritability.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered early predictors of metabolic syndrome in healthy children aged 7-9 years. The study found that fat in the liver, abdominal fat, and fat oxidation predicted insulin resistance and appear to be early markers for the metabolic syndrome via impaired lipid metabolism and fat oxidation.
A new study published in Genetics reveals that assessing skin cancer risk can be improved by accounting for genetic factors, such as family history and ethnicity. The researchers developed a more precise model for assessing risk using phenotypic and genetic information from over 5,000 participants.
A new study by King's College London has identified the RASGRF2 gene as a key player in regulating alcohol-induced reinforcement, with individuals carrying the variation more likely to engage in binge drinking. The research also found that the absence of this gene reduces alcohol-seeking activity and impairs brain function.
Scientists have identified a 500 million-year-old genetic mutation that enabled complex thinking in humans and other mammals. This 'accident' provided the ability to learn and adapt, which is now associated with both intelligent behavior and brain diseases.
A study published in Genetics Society of America's journal found that Native Americans and Northern Europeans are more closely related than previously thought. The research used statistical tools to show that Neanderthals mixed with modern humans also revealed a common ancestor between Native Americans and Northern Europeans.
A research team has identified genetic markers for the Bornean elephant using cutting-edge DNA sequencing methodology. The discovery opens new avenues for conserving other endangered species with limited genetic diversity. The study, published in PLOS ONE, marks a significant breakthrough in conservation efforts.
A CU-led study found that social environments play a crucial role in determining friendships, with genetically similar individuals more likely to form bonds in stratified settings. In contrast, egalitarian environments led to weaker genetic homophily among friends.
Researchers identify shared biological risk factors for smoking and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. A specific gene variant is found to be associated with both conditions, potentially serving as a gateway to smoking in adulthood.
A University of Toronto study demonstrates that early life adversity affects adult behavior and quality of life, with chronic food deprivation impacting foraging gene expression. The research also shows that nutritionally deprived fruit flies exhibit reduced reproductive fitness.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are 12 times more likely to develop autism. The findings suggest a shared genetic root cause between the two conditions, shedding light on their genetics.
Genomic medicine provides pharmacogenomic information to forecast therapy responses and genomic susceptibility testing to predict disease risks. However, this added knowledge may pressure patients to comply with doctors' recommendations and shift responsibility for health care decisions from doctor to patient.
Researchers have discovered dozens of new de novo genetic mutations that play a significant role in schizophrenia development. Many of these mutations were found to affect genes with higher expression during early-to-mid fetal development, highlighting the importance of both gene function and timing in determining risk.
Researchers at UCI found compounds that inhibit enzymes blocking endocannabinoid transmitters, which can help correct behavioral issues related to fragile X syndrome. The study suggests a new approach for treating anxiety and cognitive defects in people with the condition.
Researchers found 155 regions of DNA with different tag patterns in bees, which were mostly regulatory genes known to affect other genes. The epigenetic marks were reversible and connected to the bees' behavior, with more than half of those regions already identified among the original 155 regions.
A recent study by University of Notre Dame researcher Timothy Judge found that genes play a significant role in job stress and health problems. He studied nearly 600 twins and discovered that shared genes were about four times more important than shared environments in shaping personality, stress, and health outcomes.
A study at McGill University reveals that people with genetically fast nicotine metabolism have a greater brain response to smoking cues than those with slow metabolism. This finding may lead to tailoring smoking cessation programs based on individual genetics.
A new genetic test developed by University of Melbourne researchers can predict the risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with over 70% accuracy in people of central European descent. The test identifies genetic markers that either contribute to or protect an individual from developing ASD, allowing for early interventions ...
Studies on California and deer mice reveal that lifetime monogamy leads to reduced bacterial diversity and a less diverse gene pool for immunity, whereas promiscuity correlates with increased bacterial diversity and genetic variation. This suggests that social behavior influences immune system function.
A study by the University of Bonn found that a genetic variation on the CHRNA4 gene is associated with internet addiction. This variation occurs more frequently in women and may be related to social media use. The researchers hope their findings will lead to better therapies for online addiction.
Researchers discovered similarities between compulsive behavior in dogs and humans, including early onset, recurrent behaviors, and nutritional supplements' beneficial effect. The study suggests that dogs can serve as an excellent animal model for studying the genetic background and environmental factors associated with human OCD.
The collaboration has already demonstrated great potential for the field with initial behavioral studies showing hallmark characteristics of autism in rats. New genetically modified rat models will be generated to accelerate translational research and drug development.
A new cause of congenital myopathy has been identified through research published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. The discovery of a previously uncharacterized gene provides a genetic explanation for the disease and may lead to the development of therapies.