Articles tagged with Behavior Genetics
Researchers find that hippocampal NMDA receptors are crucial for detecting conflicts in spatial orientation problems. The study used genetically modified mice to demonstrate that the receptors are necessary for resolving conflicts, contradicting a central tenet of neuroscience.
A study published in the Genetics Society of America's journal found that genes responsible for immune response at youth are almost completely different from those in middle age. This discovery opens doors to understanding genetic interactions underlying why older people struggle more with infections.
Researchers found that deleting a single gene in the cerebellum of mice caused autistic-like behavior, but administering an immunosuppressant drug prevented these symptoms. The study suggests a molecular component for autism development and may lead to better understanding of the condition.
Researchers have found genetic markers that may influence educational achievement, including genes involved in attention regulation and motivation. The study identified three genes – DAT1, DRD2, and DRD4 – as possible markers for academic success.
A pioneering study finds genetic changes that explain why one person has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and another does not. The research identifies potential new regions where copy-number variants are associated with ASDs and shows a significant impact of these variants on gene expression.
A new study published in Genetics reveals a gene in Caenorhabditis elegans, similar to a human gene correlated with Alzheimer's disease, is involved in multiple metabolic pathways, including insulin. The discovery suggests that this gene plays a role not only in Alzheimer's but also in diabetes.
Researchers found that direct reciprocity alone is insufficient for high levels of cooperation, emphasizing the need for population structure. Repetition can also boost cooperation when individuals interact with similar types, but excessive repetition can harm it.
An Emory University analysis suggests environmental factors trigger the monarchs' choice of winter homes, rather than genetic differences. The researchers found extensive gene flow between eastern and western monarchs, challenging the prevailing theory of distinct populations.
Biologists at The University of Texas at Austin discovered that humans, fish and frogs share neural circuits responsible for diverse social behaviors. These circuits have existed for over 450 million years, indicating a common genetic framework for the evolution of new behavior.
A genetic marker, rs2036527, associated with smoking quantity has been found in African Americans, predicting the number of cigarettes smoked per day. This discovery may help guide public health decisions related to smoking and lung cancer risk.
A new study found that genetic testing does not significantly drive up demand for expensive medical care, even if individuals receive risk information. Researchers analyzed electronic health records of 217 healthy adults and compared their healthcare use before and after genetic testing.
A recent NIH-led study found that receiving genetic test results does not significantly impact the demand for follow-up health services. The researchers analyzed electronic health records and found no increase in healthcare usage among participants who underwent genetic testing compared to those who did not.
Researchers discovered a link between the metabolic system and brain activity in anxiety disorders, finding that increasing Glo1 expression lowers methylglyoxal levels, reducing anxiety behaviors. A small molecule inhibitor of Glo1 showed promise in reducing anxiety-like symptoms in mice.
Researchers have found a genetic mutation in Scandinavian barley varieties that disrupts the circadian clock, allowing them to flower earlier than southern counterparts. This adaptation enables crops to thrive in regions with short growing seasons, providing new tools for breeding and developing more resilient crops.
Researchers at Hebrew University have identified specific genetic pathways involved in autism, highlighting their potential for early diagnosis and treatment. The study found that different genes tend to be involved in specific brain processes, explaining similarities in behavioral symptoms across individuals.
Researchers propose a neurobiological model for third-party punishment, revealing its cognitive processes and brain areas involved. This new understanding sheds light on human cooperation and the development of large-scale societies.
Researchers from the University of Leicester discovered a new mechanism for cooperation in simple organisms, where individuals prefer those who resemble themselves. This 'similarity discrimination' effect can evolve quickly and powerfully in many social encounters, solving the long-standing puzzle of natural selection.
Researchers found that flies didn't exhibit expected siestas during the day and instead became active at dawn. The study suggests that flies can react to changing light levels without anticipating them, challenging previous assumptions about genetic determinants of behavior.
The study's addition of genetic data provides a major new dimension for research, combining genetic background with data on older people's lives. Researchers will be able to describe behavioral and environmental risk factors for disease and disability.
A recent study by McGill University researchers has identified a key gene affecting chronic pain sensitivity, offering a potential new approach to individualized therapy. The findings suggest that targeting the pore-forming function of P2X7 receptors may provide relief for patients with genetically inherited low pain sensitivity.
Researchers discovered the genetic basis of biological rhythms controlling sleep, wakefulness and hormone levels. Their work has potential to improve treatments for diseases controlled by circadian cycles.
Researchers found abnormal development of the insula circuit hub is rooted in genes and causes overly friendly yet anxious behavior in individuals with Williams syndrome. The study uses neuroimaging to pinpoint the suspect brain area in people with the disorder, revealing structural and functional abnormalities.
Researchers found that sex-deprived fruit flies prefer alcohol to satisfy a physical reward, which could lead to understanding of human addiction causes. The study's findings could also inform the development of treatments for substance abuse in humans.
Researchers found that walking briskly for an hour a day can reduce the genetic influence towards obesity by half. In contrast, watching TV for four hours a day increases the genetic influence by 50 percent.
A team of scientists has identified a key player in the amplification of pain signals in the spinal cord, which could lead to the development of novel treatments for chronic pain. By removing an enzyme called PKG-1 from pain-sensing nerves, researchers found that LTP was abolished and pain-related memory and behavior were also altered.
A study by Penn State researchers found that people's beliefs about genes, God, and personal control can influence their communication strategies when diagnosed with a genetic disorder. The team identified four groups based on these beliefs, suggesting personalized approaches to simplify health communication strategies.
Research on multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE), a rare genetic disease, reveals the molecular basis of autistic symptoms in children with MHE. The study identifies the amygdala as the brain region responsible for autistic symptoms, shedding light on potential underlying causes and future treatments.
Research suggests the SRY gene, which directs male development, promotes aggression and a fight-or-flight response to stress in men. In contrast, women primarily adopt a less aggressive tend-and-befriend response to stress, influenced by oestrogen and internal opiates.
A new study by UCLA scientists has discovered that over 2,000 genes in the brain of zebra finches are significantly linked to singing. These genes, which include FoxP2 and reelin, may also play a critical role in human speech and speech disorders such as stuttering and autism.
Researchers propose that depression and related behaviors arose from genetic variations that helped ancestors fight infections, reducing mortality. This theory links depression to inflammation and physiological responses that were selected for reducing mortality from infection.
The study aims to confirm the predictive value of established genetic markers and enroll 600 children over two years. If successful, a genetic test could help identify children with autism earlier, providing beneficial treatment and improved outcomes.
Researchers question the validity of studies linking specific genes to complex behaviors like voting due to methodological errors and inconsistencies across multiple studies. The findings contradict current understanding of genetics' role in shaping human traits.
Researchers Elizabeth Archie and Patrick Chiyo investigate elephant social behavior, finding strong female bonds and male crop raiding patterns. Their fieldwork and genetic analysis reveal how human activities alter elephants' social and genetic structures, threatening the species' survival.
A majority of college students (64%) are willing to donate blood or genetic material for scientific research. Education plays a role in acceptance, with seniors being more familiar with biobanks and comfortable with the concept.
A recent study published in Aggressive Behavior suggests that genetic risk factors condition the effects of corporal punishment on antisocial behavior, especially in male children. Additionally, research finds a link between life course persistent offenders and rape, implying a possible genetic origin for the latter.
Researchers from the UC Davis MIND Institute will present on the relationships between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences on autism development. Their research highlights the impact of flame retardant chemicals on autism risk, particularly in female offspring.
Researchers have developed the Collaborative Cross, a reference manual of genetic variation in hundreds of specially-bred mice and their genetic sequences, which more closely mirror human genetic complexity. This resource could aid development of more effective treatments for various human diseases.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that exposure to a common flame retardant chemical BDE-47 in mice led to social, behavioral and learning deficits in their offspring. The research highlights the interaction between epigenetics and genetics and exposure to the chemical.
A team of scientists developed the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel to study complex traits like cold tolerance and starvation resistance. The project reveals hundreds of novel candidate genes, shedding light on the genetic basis of these traits.
A new study confirms that synaptic protein mutations increase the risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), emphasizing the importance of synaptic gene dysfunction and modifier genes. The research identifies mutations in the SHANK2 gene and highlights its role in neuronal function and interaction with other genetic variations.
A new community resource, DGRP, provides the highest-resolution view to date of genome structure and variation in a population of fruit flies with diverse traits. The study has far-reaching effects on animal breeding, pesticide development, and personalized medicine.
A UCSF team has identified genes that influence male and female behaviors, such as sex drive and nurturing behavior, which can be manipulated individually. The study suggests complex behaviors like autism may be broken down into component parts to better understand and treat disorders.
A recent study on male and female mice has identified hormone-controlled genes in the brain as the key drivers of sex-specific behaviors, including mating and parental care. The research found that these genes can be individually manipulated to alter behavior, suggesting a modular control of sex-specific traits.
Researchers identified a genetic link between fear and anxiety disorders like PTSD, revealing two distinct types of PTSD symptoms and potential treatments for each. The study suggests that genetic predispositions can affect resilience to traumatic experiences.
Research suggests that estrogen can improve mood in women, particularly during the premenstrual phase. Studies have shown a significant increase in activity in brain areas related to emotional processing premenstrually, and estrogen has been linked to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women.
Researchers have traced the family tree of pigeons to understand how their remarkable variation arose. The study found that some characteristics may have arisen independently on different branches of the family tree or spread through interbreeding, leading to diverse breeds.
A newly discovered brain mechanism reveals that cocaine triggers a signaling pathway that activates HDAC5 to limit its rewarding effects and reduce the development of addiction-related behaviors. This finding may lead to new strategies for treating addiction by modulating this protective process.
Researchers studied Campbell's monkeys and found that females pick up habits from each other through grooming and contact calls. The study suggests that human speech evolved gradually from ancestral primate vocalisations and social patterns, influenced by environmental factors rather than genetic predisposition alone.
Researchers at IUPUI have created a line of lab mice that prefer alcohol over water and binge drink like humans. These mice can reach blood-alcohol levels of over 260mg/dl, allowing scientists to study the genetic and behavioral determinants of alcoholism.
Addiction is a chronic neurobiologic response affected by genetic and environmental influences. Treatment approaches should be based on scientific evidence and rational argument, acknowledging personal responsibility while recognizing the role of addiction in impairing it.
Rutgers University has received a $10 million grant to explore the genetic and environmental factors leading to alcoholism. The four-year study will collect saliva samples from over 46,000 individuals across the US and conduct DNA extraction and genotyping to identify risk factors.
A study of over 60,000 individual fig flowers found that male pollinator fig wasps work together to chew escape tunnels for their females, increasing escape rates. In contrast, non-pollinating parasitic fig wasps, which are driven by aggression, fail to cooperate and have lower success rates.
A genetic factor regulating sleep duration has been identified in a study of over 4,000 participants. The ABCC9 gene variant affects sleep duration and is associated with metabolic syndrome symptoms. The discovery may explain the underlying mechanisms linking sleep to metabolic health.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have sequenced the monarch butterfly genome, revealing an estimated 16,866 protein-coding genes involved in its seasonal migration. The study provides new insights into the genetic and regulatory elements underlying this remarkable journey.
A team of researchers used computational modeling to study the evolution of Neanderthals in response to climate change, revealing that they were as adaptable and resourceful as modern humans. The study suggests that Neanderthals' success led to their own extinction due to interbreeding with modern humans.
Researchers found a rare gene called NRXN3 plays an important role in brain development and neuron functions, linked to impulsivity and substance abuse. The study suggests this genetic connection may be more prevalent among men than women.
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that complete strangers can pick up on who is trustworthy and kind in just 20 seconds based on facial expressions and body language. People with a specific variation of the oxytocin receptor gene, known as the GG genotype, displayed more trustworthy behaviors.
Researchers used genetic tools to investigate how stress affects brain function and identify potential targets for treating stress-related disorders. The study provides clues on how different types of stress alter genes and brain function, shedding light on behavior and mood changes in stress-related illnesses.
A recent study found that a gene influencing empathy and sociability can be detected in strangers, who rated individuals with a particular genetic variation as more caring and trustworthy. The oxytocin receptor gene was linked to prosocial behavior, with those carrying the GG genotype exhibiting higher levels of kindness and trust.
Research demonstrates that life experiences can be transmitted from one generation to the next through epigenetics, affecting brain plasticity and behavior. This new knowledge has implications for understanding the cognitive benefits of motherhood and how environmental factors influence brain development in offspring.