Articles tagged with Behavior Genetics
Recent advances in neurogenetics research have shed light on the genetic basis of human brain disorders, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Genetic discoveries have transformed clinical practice and provided new hope for patients and families affected by these devastating disorders.
A new study found that gene activity patterns in the brain differ significantly among individuals with varying genetic backgrounds. The study, published in PNAS, mapped gene expression across 49 genes in seven genetically distinct mouse groups, revealing localized differences in gene activity.
A new study finds that the CYP2E1 gene is associated with low sensitivity to alcohol and increased risk of alcoholism. The researchers suggest that this gene may be used as a predictor for individuals at risk of developing alcoholism.
A study by Hebrew University researcher Prof. Guy Bloch found that honeybees can alter their biological clocks in response to changes in their social role, enabling them to make a 'quick switch' in their daily routines. This flexibility is striking, as humans and most other animals struggle with drastic schedule changes.
Researchers at Monell Center discovered a genetic variation linked to impaired olfactory perception, affecting approximately 14% of individuals. The study used DNA analysis and sensory testing to reveal the connection between an olfactory receptor gene and sulfurous compound sensitivity.
UT researcher Francisco Úbeda and Andy Gardner found that genomic imprinting affects children's behavior, with paternal genes promoting altruism and maternal genes encouraging self-interest. This discovery has implications for understanding neurological disorders like autism and psychosis.
Researchers found that people tend to inherit tendencies such as choosing compromise options and avoiding extremes. Additionally, genetic factors seem to play a role in likings for specific products like chocolate, hybrid cars, and science fiction movies.
A small drug company, Seaside Therapeutics, is developing potential treatments for Fragile X syndrome and autism with secret funding from an anonymous wealthy family. Two of its drugs show promise in clinical trials as treatments for these diseases.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have discovered how Mexican blind cavefish evolved adaptations to compensate for their loss of vision, including an enhanced vibration attraction behavior to detect food sources. This study provides new insights into the link between behavior, genetics, and evolution in these unique organisms.
A recent study by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys and his team at the University of Leicester has identified a key gene, PRDM9, that plays a significant role in shaping human diversity. The research reveals that people with different versions of PRDM9 exhibit distinct recombination behaviors, contributing to genetic disorders.
A study found that individuals with a specific genotype of the GABRA2 gene may be more sensitive to alcohol odors, leading to stronger cravings and potentially increased risk of alcohol dependence. This suggests a genetic link between the brain's reward system and environmental cues.
Ants have been found to be genetically identical but exhibit distinct behaviors due to epigenetic mechanisms. The study compares two ant species, Florida carpenter ant and Jerdon's jumping ant, and reveals differences in gene expression corresponding to different castes.
Researchers used RAD tagging to analyze the genetic structure of Wyeomyia smithii, a pitcher plant-dwelling mosquito. The study found that post-glacial populations originated from a southern Appalachian Mountain refugium and expanded sequentially into previously glaciated areas.
Dr. Binh An Diep, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, has made significant contributions to understanding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) epidemiology and pathogenesis.
Researchers found that apathetic aphids, accustomed to ignoring pheromone alarms, are more vulnerable to ladybug attacks. This study provides a potential strategy for increasing the effectiveness of aphid predators in crop protection.
A study found that relatives of individuals with autism exhibit abnormal eye movements and other sensorimotor impairments, similar to those seen in individuals with autism. These abnormalities are associated with brain pathways important for language skills, motor control, and executive function.
Electrical activity in developing brain cells influences the choice of neurotransmitter, altering behavior. Researchers found that tweaking genetic signals can change an animal's behavior by changing the transmitters neurons make and use.
A Duke University study found that hormonal contraceptives alter the chemical cues used by ring-tailed lemurs to determine genetic fitness and relatedness. The study also showed that males are less interested in females treated with contraceptives, suggesting potential effects on human mate choice.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology have identified three dopamine-releasing nerve cells essential for associating odors with negative experiences. By manipulating these cells using a temperature switch, they demonstrated that even without an electric shock, fruit flies can learn to avoid specific odors.
A new study found that young women with a genetic predisposition to substance use are more likely to choose friends who also use substances, increasing their environment and genetic inclination. This correlation suggests that peer selection has a genetic basis, modifying an individual's likelihood of associating with drug-using peers.
A recent study found that religiosity during adolescence can moderate genetic effects on problem alcohol use, but not in young adulthood. The research suggests that adolescents raised with strong religious values are less likely to develop problems with alcohol use, even in the presence of a genetic predisposition.
A study has found that genetic mutations in three genes may predispose individuals to suicidal behavior. The research identified a model able to differentiate between people with and without a history of suicide attempts using an algorithm based on SNPs from these genes.
A new study has identified multiple rare genes involved in regulating central nervous system processes, shedding light on the genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders. The research may lead to innovative treatments and a better understanding of the disorder.
Researchers identified Clock and cycle genes involved in the interaction between feeding and sleep behaviors. The study found that these genes aid in sleep under food deprivation conditions, highlighting the complex role of genetics in behavioral decision-making.
Scientists have identified two genes, Clock and cycle, that regulate the need to sleep and eat in fruit flies. The study found that these genes help flies regulate sleep when food is scarce, providing new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying this conflict.
A recent study found rare genetic changes in autistic children that are often not present in their parents, occurring nearly 20% more frequently. The research, involving over 60 institutions worldwide, suggests that tiny errors during egg and sperm formation may contribute to autism.
Researchers have identified new autism susceptibility genes, including SHANK2 and SYNGAP1, which may lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatments. The study found that these genes are involved in synapse-related pathways and cellular proliferation, providing insights into possible common pathological mechanisms.
Researchers found rare genetic changes called copy number variants (CNVs) in nearly 2,300 people, which could account for up to 3.3% of autism cases. The study identified three new genes and pathways contributing to autism susceptibility.
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago has identified new autism susceptibility genes, including SHANK2, SYNGAP1 and DLGAP2, through an international collaboration with Autism Speaks. These findings suggest that multiple rare variants or genetic changes may contribute to the development of autism.
Researchers identified two genes, leucokinin neuropeptide and receptor, that regulate meal sizes and frequency in fruit flies. In normal flies, the stretch receptors signal to the brain when the gut is full, but in mutants or brain center destruction, this signal is not relayed, leading to excessive eating.
Researchers used genetic data and oceanographic information from satellites to find two distinct populations of franciscanas in Argentina's coastal waters. The findings suggest that environmental factors, such as water temperature and turbidity, play a significant role in shaping population structure in marine animals.
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital discovered that inhibiting communication between nerve cells accelerates odor discrimination in mice. The study confirmed the function of lateral inhibition, which enables quick and reliable recognition of similar smells, using genetic manipulation and electrophysiological measurements.
A study found that children with ADHD exhibit more symptoms when they experience high levels of self-blame during inter-parental conflict, which is associated with genetic variations related to serotonin activity. The study suggests a synergistic effect between genetic and environmental factors in the development of ADHD.
The Semel Institute has established a new Integrative Phenotyping Center to study genetic and environmental factors in neuropsychiatric disorders. The center will enable large-scale phenotyping studies, including personality, cognition, and brain activity analysis.
Scientists have made a significant discovery in corn breeding that could lead to higher crop yields, improved disease resistance and heartier plants able to withstand severe weather. By understanding the genetics of photoperiod response, researchers hope to be able to overcome the barrier to using tropical maize for temperate varieties.
Researchers discover the 'doublesex' gene plays a crucial role in shaping fruit fly brain architecture and behavior, leading to distinct male and female neural circuits. The study sheds light on sex determination and coordination of sex-specific physiology in fruit flies.
A study on fruit-flies published in PLOS Biology found that genes beneficial to males are detrimental to females, and vice versa. This genetic conflict maintains genetic variation within species by regulating sex-specific characteristics and strategies, such as resource acquisition for reproduction.
A new study examined gene networks instead of individual genes to confirm the influence of glutamate receptor signaling genes on a person's level of response (LR) to alcohol. The findings show that variation in sets of genes encoding components for neuronal communication contribute to individual differences in alcohol LR.
Researchers at Great Ape Trust argue that bonobo Kanzi and others point with specific intent, unlike captive apes. The study builds on previous research on the effect of rearing culture on cognitive capabilities, potentially shedding light on human disorders such as Down's Syndrome or Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
The NIH Common Fund has announced seven new scientific initiatives to tackle the toughest health problems facing the nation and the world. The programs focus on emerging science and technology advances in areas such as stem cells, protein capture, and global health.
A genetic link between schizophrenia and autism is being studied by analyzing behavior in mice with a schizophrenia-linked mutation. Researchers hope to understand the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs and potentially develop more targeted treatments.
Neuroscientist David Anderson explains how studying model organisms like mice and fruit flies can improve understanding of the neural basis of emotion. He also discusses the limitations of human brain studies and the potential of new technologies to experimentally manipulate brain circuitry.
A study of over 19,000 women found that a genetic risk score based on multiple genetic markers was not associated with improved cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction. Despite this, traditional factors such as family history and intermediate phenotypes like cholesterol levels remained significant predictors.
Researchers found a strong association between the DRD4 gene and novelty seeking behavior in great tits, but results varied across different populations. The study's findings mirror those of human research, suggesting that genetic factors may play a role in shaping personality traits.
A Tel Aviv University expert reviews the links between autoimmune diseases, infections, genetics, and the environment. Environmental factors such as hairspray, lipstick, second-hand smoke, food chemicals, and UV exposure are found to trigger the onset of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Researchers at UC San Diego successfully synchronized bacterial genetic clocks to blink in unison and alter their blinking rates in response to environmental conditions. The achievement is a crucial step towards creating genetic sensors that can monitor temperature, poisons, and other hazards.
Scientists have decoded the genome of Nasonia, a parasitic wasp that eliminates agricultural pests by infesting fly pupae. The study reveals insights into the wasp's ability to prevent host death and its potential for genetic engineering to improve biological pest control.
A team of economists and molecular geneticists found that individuals with a high-activity variation of the MAOA gene prefer longshot lottery plays and purchase less insurance, suggesting an inborn bias in financial decision-making. This discovery complements recent findings on the neurobiological basis of economic risk-taking.
Researchers have identified a genetic locus on chromosome 7 associated with canine compulsive disorder (CCD), a condition characterized by repetitive behaviors. The CDH2 gene region is linked to increased risk of CCD in Doberman breeds and may be involved in human OCD and autism spectrum disorders.
A genetic locus on chromosome 7 has been linked to canine compulsive disorder, a condition characterized by repetitive behaviors. The neural cadherin-2 gene, CDH2, is involved in mediating synaptic activity and neuronal adhesion, suggesting a possible connection to human obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Researchers identified a family of proteins called Mrgprs that functions as itch receptors in a rare subset of nerve cells. The study found that MrgprA3 is the primary itch receptor for chloroquine, leading to potential new treatments for nonallergic itch.
Researchers identify pheromone-detecting neurons in the fly's antenna that promote aggression, leading to increased fighting among males. The discovery provides insight into how aggression is hardwired into the brain by an animal's genes.
Researchers discovered two independent forms of arousal in fruit flies, with one mutation linked to increased startle response and decreased endogenous arousal. The findings suggest that environmentally stimulated arousal and sleep-wake transitions reflect distinct neural circuits, potentially shedding light on the neurobiology of ADHD.
Researchers found that a mutation in a dopamine receptor causes flies to exhibit exaggerated hyperactivity and hypersensitivity to air puffs. The study suggests a link between dopamine regulation and ADHD symptoms, as well as learning disabilities. Flies without the mutation learn to associate an odor with an electric shock quickly.
Researchers linked genetic data to visualize H1N1 flu virus movement around the world using Google Earth. The resulting map represents the most comprehensive analysis of avian flu transmission among sites in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Researchers found a gene deletion in chromosome 15 associated with significant learning and behavioral problems, including developmental delay, mental retardation, and epilepsy. The study suggests that the nicotinic receptor plays a crucial role in these conditions.
Researchers found a population of tropical butterflies exhibiting diverging color patterns and reproductive preferences, suggesting the potential emergence of two distinct species. The study provides insights into the earliest stage of ecological speciation, where natural selection drives the divergence of populations into new species.
A team of scientists used satellite and acoustic tags to study white shark migration patterns in the North Pacific, revealing a genetically distinct population that has separated from other sharks worldwide. This finding suggests the possibility of long-term population assessment and monitoring, which could help ensure their protection.
A study by UC Irvine neuroscientists found that people with a particular gene variant performed more than 20 percent worse on a driving test than those without it. The variant limits the availability of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which keeps memory strong.
A recent study published in BMC Biology identified genetic pathways associated with moderate alcohol consumption, but found no correlation between these genes and alcohol dependence. The research team found that drinking behavior was linked to pleasure and reward pathways in the brain, similar to satiety and appetite for food.