Articles tagged with Behavior Genetics
A study by EPFL researchers found that a family of genes known as KRAB-ZFP plays a crucial role in regulating the brain's response to stress. Genetically altered mice lacking these genes exhibited increased anxiety and impaired cognitive function, highlighting the importance of epigenetic regulation in behavior.
The Genomic Psychiatry Cohort aims to identify genetic factors leading to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in a large-scale population study. The initiative, led by USC researchers, will collect data from 40,000 subjects and become a major resource for researchers worldwide.
Researchers found that genetically similar strains of Dictyostelium discoideum mix and cooperate during colony formation, contradicting earlier assumptions. The study's findings suggest specific genes produce sticky adhesives to secure partner connections.
Researchers found that social amoebae, such as Dictyostelium discoideum, aggregate based on genetic similarity to minimize conflict and increase chances of gene reproduction. This self/non-self mechanism is similar to immune systems in higher organisms.
A new study found that adolescents are more likely to smoke when their parents begin smoking at a young age and the smoking persists over time. The study used longitudinal data to identify parental smoking behaviors as predictors of adolescent smoking risk.
In a breakthrough study, researchers discovered that social amoebas form multi-cellular organisms with genetically similar 'kin' to ensure survival. By aggregating based on genetic similarity rather than true kinship, cells can increase their chances of reproducing and passing on their genes.
Scientists are studying gene regulation in ants to model human aging and behavior. Epigenetic changes, not DNA sequence alterations, may underlie differences in longevity and behavior among ant castes. The study aims to identify the molecular basis for these changes.
A study by Hayley Frend found that pond snails exhibit handedness in mating behavior, mirroring brain asymmetry pre-programmed by their mother's genes. This discovery sheds light on brain specialization and its importance across species.
A new study suggests that genetic factors may influence the size of a brain region involved in emotional processing and impulsivity in teenagers. Researchers found that those with a family history of alcohol dependence had reduced volume of the right orbitofrontal cortex, an area critical for regulating impulsive behavior.
Researchers studied glucose tolerance in two species of Peromyscus mice, finding that males from a calmer, more monogamous species had superior blood sugar regulation. A genetic variance linked to the Y chromosome is responsible for this response.
Researchers at Monell Chemical Senses Center found that an individual's underlying odor signature persists regardless of diet, providing a potential method for identifying individuals. This discovery could lead to the development of electronic sensors for early disease detection and diagnosis.
A recent study has found that anxiety levels in mice are directly influenced by the immune system, specifically through mast cells. Mice without mast cells showed reduced willingness to navigate open and high spaces, indicating lower anxiety levels.
New research suggests rare corals can cross-breed with other species to increase genetic diversity and adapt to changing conditions. This finding has raised hopes for the ability of corals to withstand the impacts of climate change.
A team of researchers at Harvard Medical School used RNAi to systematically knockdown pairs of genes in fruit fly cells, revealing interactions between genes and accelerating the pace of discovery in systems biology. This approach overcomes limitations of traditional single-gene knockout studies by capturing redundant gene functions.
Researchers found a critical genetic link between human taste differences and nicotine dependence using an innovative method to analyze multiple genetic factors. The study identified two interacting genes related to bitter taste sensitivity as playing an important role in developing nicotine dependence.
A genetic risk score was developed from three identified genes associated with increased uric acid levels and a 40-fold increased risk for developing gout. The study analyzed over 20,000 participants and found that more than 3 million US adults have gout due to factors such as obesity, diet, and certain medications.
Research reveals that different wildtype Drosophila species respond selectively to natural odors like bananas and mangos, but not artificial flavors. The behavior is influenced by nutritional conditions and genetic adaptations to environment.
A Mayo Clinic study found that obese patients with specific genetic markers experienced greater weight loss when taking the medication sibutramine. Patients who lacked these genetic factors showed little to no weight loss during the 12-week trial.
A new study finds that non-daily smokers are 16 times more likely to be hazardous drinkers than non-smokers, and five times more likely to meet criteria for an AUD. The study suggests that casual smoking may promote hazardous drinking behavior.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are investigating the biological causes of FTLD, a group of dementias affecting the frontal and temporal lobes. They plan to study the role of genes in regulating tau and progranulin levels in the brain, with hopes of finding future therapies.
The NIH Director's Pioneer Award program has made 63 awards, with the New Innovator Award program supporting 61 investigators. The grants enable recipients to pursue innovative approaches that could transform biomedical and behavioral science, with an estimated total value of up to $138 million over five years.
A new UNC study reveals that good parenting can counteract the effect of genes in babies' responses to stress, even at early ages. The research, published in Child Development, suggests a strong interplay between environmental experiences and genetics in shaping physiological responses to stress.
Research shows that early parenting plays a key role in shaping infants' physiological responses to stress. At 6 months old, parenting affects the impact of genes on vagal tone, a cardiac response that helps regulate heart rate during challenging situations.
Rutgers geneticist Gleb Shumyatsky discovered a link between the stathmin gene and helicopter mom behavior in mice. Mice lacking this gene took longer to retrieve pups and showed less cautious behavior towards peers, revealing the importance of innate fear in species survival.
Researchers found that participants primed with action words chose active tasks, but the stimulus triggered diverse array of tasks not normally seen together. This suggests a need for more specific cues on how to be active.
Researchers identified genes that show statistical association with specific anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social phobias. The study found that environmental factors can trigger an anxiety disorder more easily in people with a genetic predisposition.
Researchers found that people carrying a specific gene variation are more prone to anxiety and have an exaggerated startle reflex in response to unpleasant pictures. This suggests that genetic differences may play a role in regulating emotional arousal and contributing to anxiety disorders.
A study found a link between genetic variation in the CHRNA5 gene, initial smoking experiences, and current smoking habits. Smokers were eight times more likely to report pleasurable first cigarettes, suggesting that genetics may play a role in nicotine addiction.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital linked genetics to brain reward circuitry and preference, revealing a connection between gene variants and brain activity. The study used brain imaging, genetics, and experimental psychology techniques to identify a correlation between the CREB1 gene variant and brain structure activity.
A study of 5,952 twins and 1,357 siblings found that voluntary exercise is not associated with reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. Instead, a shared genetic factor may link exercise behavior to mood disorders.
A new study identifies 39 genes differentially expressed between workers with varying Gp-9 genotypes, including those regulating chemical signaling and response. The study also found 91 genes indirectly influenced by social environment, highlighting the genetic complexities of social behavior.
Recent studies on mice have found six specific chromosomal locations that significantly correlate to the inheritance of high physical activity traits. Furthermore, 17 other genetic locations were identified that also control activity levels through interaction with each other, accounting for approximately 84% of behavioral differences ...
Researchers identify three genetic predictors that gain predictive precision when considered with social influences like family, friends, and school processes. Positive social influences reduce the effect of certain genetic variants on delinquency.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a novel genetic mechanism underlying white and black coat colors in domestic sheep. They found that the dominant white coat is caused by a duplicated agouti coding sequence, while recessive black coats harbor poorly expressed non-duplicated alleles.
Recent advances in autism research have highlighted the importance of genetics in the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Scientists have identified the first autism disease genes, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treatment interventions.
Lemur males use scent glands on their bodies to advertise fitness and family relationships, with individual scents reflecting genetic quality. Researchers analyzed chemical components in ringtailed lemur scents using sophisticated machinery.
A study found that chronic grief activates neurons in reward centers of the brain, which may give memories addiction-like properties. This research may help psychologists treat those with complicated grief better.
Researchers found female red squirrels mate with related males, contradicting expected social norms. Genetic relatedness does not impact offspring survival or growth rate.
Geneticist James P. Evans cautions against rushing into genetic testing, citing limited evidence of improved health outcomes and potential patient harm. Despite advances in genomics, Evans believes the technology has not yet been proven to yield meaningful information for individualized health advice.
A new study has found that drinking at an early age can lead to later alcohol dependence. Women born after 1944 who began drinking earlier were more likely to develop alcohol dependence due to increased social and economic independence.
Scientists discover a new gene, sphinx, in Drosophila melanogaster that regulates male-male courtship behavior. The absence of the gene leads to increased male-male interaction and altered mating habits.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have developed the first transgenic nonhuman primate model of Huntington's disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. The model is expected to help researchers better understand the disease and develop more effective therapies.
Researchers identified associations between genetic variants in genes controlling affiliative behaviors and social deficits in autistic children. The strongest findings implicate the prolactin gene, oxytocin receptor gene, and prolactin receptor gene.
Researchers found that black bears acquire behavior to conflict with humans through social learning and isolation, challenging the assumption that mother bears teach their cubs. The study indicates that 56% of mothers did not share behavioral habits with their offspring.
Yale scientists found that both male and female flies have similar brains and that specific signals can trigger 'male' behavior in females. The study suggests a largely unisex brain, with subtle anatomical differences making the difference between male and female behavior.
Researchers have identified two strains of mice that exhibit high rates of maternal neglect, which reflects disrupted reward-seeking behavior and abnormal dopamine signaling. The study provides a valuable opportunity to investigate the biological and behavioral bases of naturally occurring maternal neglect.
Gro Amdam investigates biochemical factors influencing aging and longevity in honeybees, focusing on vitellogenin protein and social life history properties. Her work may reveal mechanisms governing lifespan in social species.
A new study reveals that some individuals, like slime moulds, are genetically programmed to cheat and benefit from it. In a complex evolutionary arms race, cheaters thrive when non-cheaters fail.
Researchers found that bird brain structures for singing and learning are embedded in areas controlling movement, indicating a possible evolutionary link between vocal learning and motor control. This discovery may also shed light on human language origins, with spoken language possibly emerging from pre-existing motor pathways.
Researchers have created a new mouse model of mania, allowing them to study the complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors contributing to bipolar disorder. The study found that mice missing the GluR6 gene exhibited symptoms of mania, including increased activity, reduced anxiety, and aggressive behavior.
Researchers have discovered a strong link between gene variants and anxiety-related traits, including shy behavior in children and introverted personality in adults. These variations were associated with increased activity of brain regions involved in emotional processing.
Researchers found that lower-income neighborhoods are associated with higher obesity rates due to limited access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities. The study highlights the importance of neighborhood-level services and structures in influencing weight-related behaviors.
Researchers have developed a method to measure the reproductive value of female side-blotched lizards, revealing that large clutches are associated with increased survival rates. Male lizards also exhibit improved survival with small clutch sizes due to hormonal changes, highlighting an 'ontogenetic conflict' between the sexes.
Chimpanzees have been found to build 'cultures' through social learning, with different colonies adopting unique methods for food preparation and grooming. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that culturally-learned behaviors are unique to humans.
Research at Rockefeller University reveals that flies use stereo cues to navigate towards scented targets more accurately when detecting smells with both olfactory organs. By exploiting infrared technology, scientists created an environment where they could visualize and quantify the distribution of smells.
A University of California, Irvine study identifies a single amino acid that triggers circadian rhythms, opening up potential for new pharmaceuticals to treat sleep disorders and related ailments. The finding uncovers the most specific information about the body's internal clock to date.
Researchers at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology have identified a molecular switch responsible for the behavioral changes in female fruit flies after mating. The discovery could lead to new approaches for controlling reproductive behaviors in agricultural pests and human disease carriers.
Researchers have identified a gene variant associated with increased alcohol consumption in mice, which may provide new targets for developing treatments for alcohol dependence. The study suggests that glutamate pathways play a critical role in addiction and may be targeted by future drugs.
A CU-Boulder study suggests that individual brain chemistry and genes play a key role in determining nicotine addiction. The researchers found that the effects of nicotine diminish at night due to genetic differences and melatonin recognition. Higher levels of stress hormone corticosterone during the day enhance nicotine sensitivity.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a genetic variant on chromosome 6 associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery may influence the behavior of a nearby gene, tumour necrosis factor associated protein (TNFAIP3), which is involved in inflammatory processes.