Articles tagged with Behavior Genetics
Researchers have made a groundbreaking genetic discovery that sheds light on the cause of rare nerve disorders, including Rett syndrome. The study found two new mutations in the KIF1A gene to be responsible for these conditions.
Researchers have identified five genes associated with the different visual mating preferences of two tropical butterfly species. These genes are linked to the processing of visual information during courtship, without affecting perceptions of other aspects of the environment. This study provides insights into the evolutionary changes ...
A NIH-funded study identified neuronal abnormalities in cortical cells from individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with mental illnesses and developmental delays. The study suggests that overexpression of the DGCR8 gene and exposure to certain antipsychotic drugs can restore normal cellular functioning.
Researchers found that people with a genetic deletion syndrome are more excitable and experience abnormalities in calcium signaling, leading to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. The study identified a single gene, DGCR8, as the main player in these cellular defects.
Scientists have deciphered two axes of brain organization, mainly determined by genetic factors, which reflect functional hierarchies from basic capabilities to complex skills. These findings provide insight into the evolution of brain structure and its relationship with genetic and environmental factors.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a small molecule named Streptosactin, which exhibits fratricidal activity in the human microbiome. This is the first time a small molecule has been found to kill its own kind.
Researchers found that individuals with a genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease exhibit impaired path integration, a cognitive ability essential for spatial navigation. The study suggests that grid cell activity in the entorhinal cortex plays a crucial role in this process, and may serve as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis.
Researchers found that a mutation in a tRNA gene can disrupt brain function and behavior, leading to imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. This imbalance has been implicated in numerous neurological diseases, including epilepsies and autism spectrum disorders.
Research using fruit flies found that certain stationary patterns trigger the perception of illusory motion. The brain's motion-detecting neurons play a key role in this phenomenon, driven by imbalanced responses to stationary edges.
A study found that a specific genetic variation associated with communal behavior in non-human animals also affects human romantic relationship dynamics. Individuals with this variation reported higher levels of affection, fewer negative feelings, and improved relationship adjustment.
A study published by the University of Helsinki found that an active lifestyle can significantly reduce fearfulness in dogs. The research revealed significant breed differences, with some breeds, such as Chinese Crested Dogs, being less fearful than others, like Cairn Terriers.
A new study reveals that differentiation of a single gene changes behavior in a wild songbird, determining whether the bird displays more or less aggression. The research identifies a specific estrogen receptor as driving this behavior, showing how genomic divergence can lead to behavioral divergence in a vertebrate.
A team of researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown found that the ovipositor, a temporary tube-like structure protruding from the female's abdomen, stimulates the male to attempt mating. The study reveals a sequence of steps in male-female communication that resolves contradictory reports on courtship and copulation.
A new study identifies a genetic switch in brain cells that can toggle between sex-specific states when necessary, challenging the idea of sex as a fixed property. This finding has implications for human biology, particularly in understanding sex-typical behaviors and their flexibility.
Researchers found that approximately 3.3% of families engage in 'coupon-collection behavior', where they have children of both sexes except for the last-born child, reducing sex-ratio variation. The trend is more pronounced in recent decades and suggests a growing desire for gender equality.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a connection between a genetic alteration and social difficulties related to autism. By targeting the oxytocin signaling pathway, they achieved promising results in an animal model and found that treatment with a pharmacological inhibitor can normalize social behavior.
Research has found that the brains of humans, flies, and mice share similar mechanisms for brain development and function. This similarity can be interpreted in two ways: as evidence of a single ancestral brain or independent evolution of brain circuits. The study identified shared genetic regulatory mechanisms controlling brain area f...
A recent study from Washington University in St. Louis found that older male rhesus monkeys sire significantly fewer offspring than younger males, despite high social status and mating rates. The researchers suggest that age-related decline in sperm quality or quantity may be the primary factor behind this phenomenon.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a key brain region, the cerebellum's Rcrus1, which regulates repetitive and inflexible behaviors in individuals with autism. Inhibiting activity in this region improved social behaviors, while stimulation restored social functions, offering potential new therapies for ASD.
A new study found that genomic traits of the hive are strongly associated with how fiercely its soldiers attack. The research suggests that the genetic makeup of the society, not individual bee genetics, plays a key role in aggression.
A study found that early marriage can exacerbate risky alcohol use among individuals with a high genetic predisposition, contradicting the traditional view of marriage as a protective factor. The research suggests that early life events may not be as protective against poor mental and physical health outcomes as previously thought.
Dolphins use complex techniques like 'shelling' to obtain food, a behavior comparable to tool use in humans. A study revealed that dolphins learn new foraging methods mainly through social transmission among peers, similar to great apes and gorillas. This discovery expands our understanding of how dolphins adapt to changing environment...
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified over 40 genes expressed in the vLGN and discovered six new neuron subtypes, each with unique molecules and clustered in tightly packed striped layers. The study provides a more precise tool kit to understand the function of the vLGN and its downstream connections.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki found that genetic parallelism, a phenomenon where similar changes occur in different populations, is approximately 10-fold higher in the Eastern Pacific compared to the rest of the world. This suggests that the conditions for parallel evolution may be exceptional rather than common.
A new study found that specific gut bacteria in worms can modify their behavior, directing them to choose certain food sources. The bacteria influence neural circuit activity by producing chemicals like tyramine, which increase tolerance for certain smells.
Researchers found a causal link between prolonged loneliness and increased likelihood of smoking behavior, including starting to smoke, smoking more cigarettes, and decreasing chances of quitting. The study used Mendelian randomization, a novel research method, to explore the relationship between loneliness and substance abuse.
Researchers found that early genetic restoration of the SHANK3 gene rescued behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder, including social interaction and repetitive grooming. The study suggests that genetic intervention in SHANK3-related ASD may be most effective earlier in development.
Scientists used genomic analysis to assess genetic variability in 17 seal species, finding that past population fluctuations have had a significant effect on contemporary populations. The study estimates the risk of genetic impoverishment and inbreeding, with implications for conservation efforts.
A team of researchers found that sweat bees switch from solitary to social behavior by repurposing ancient genes, challenging the long-held assumption that new genetic variants are always necessary for evolution. The study provides evidence that environmental influences can drive the evolution of complex traits like social behavior.
A recent study analyzing data from over three million individuals found widespread sex-differential participation bias, suggesting that men and women are more likely to participate in genetic studies based on different characteristics. This bias can impact the accuracy of results and conclusions drawn from genetic association studies.
A team of UTHSC researchers will study genetic differences in stress response, oxycodone consumption and stress-induced drug seeking in rats. The findings have great potential to translate to human conditions of opioid addiction.
A genetic analysis of brook trout in Loyalsock Creek drainage reveals that fish are moving between tributaries, using the mainstem as a seasonal corridor. This finding contradicts previous research and suggests that conservation efforts should focus on larger streams and rivers to protect critical movement corridors.
A study published in the Journal of Mammalogy found that Wyoming pronghorn exhibit high levels of genetic connectivity across the state, contradicting previous research suggesting barriers to gene flow. The researchers suggest periodic monitoring of genetic structure and diversity as part of management strategies.
A genome-wide analysis has identified 19 new genetic risk factors for problematic alcohol use and confirmed 10 previously known factors. The study also found shared genetic associations with psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have discovered a new sex hormone in zebrafish that regulates sexual behavior and reproduction. The hormone, secretoneurin peptide, was found to restore sexual function in genetically modified fish by increasing hormone release and enhancing ovulation.
The study suggests that cells can be understood as electrical entities, enabling predictive biological understanding and potential new treatments for conditions like heart failure and diabetes. The researchers' bioelectrical conceptualisation of cells could pave the way for breakthroughs in healthcare.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that menopause can reduce cognitive function and potentially play a role in Alzheimer's development in women. Animal studies using surgically induced menopause in rats showed poor memory and learning, indicating a decline in cognitive function.
Researchers at MUSC have found a connection between a defective copy of the MEF2C gene and autism behaviors. This rare form of autism is caused by one of two MEF2C genes in each cell being nonfunctioning, leading to issues such as language difficulties, epilepsy, and breathing problems.
A research team found that PTPδ is crucial for synaptic development and sleep behavior in mice. Genetic deletion of PTPδ leads to disruptions in brain structure, function, and behavior, resulting in hyper-locomotor activity, increased anxiety, and decreased sleep.
Researchers developed an optical brain-to-brain interface that supports fast and accurate information transmission for locomotion control. The interface uses fiber photometry to record population Ca2+ signals from identified neurons, achieving a three-fold increase in information transfer rates compared to previous BtBIs.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that paternal alcohol exposure before conception can negatively impact brain development and behavior in offspring. Choline supplementation during pregnancy showed promise in reducing adverse outcomes associated with prenatal alcohol exposure.
Researchers discovered that TBK1 mutations in mice with ALS-like symptoms initially slow disease progression but later accelerate it. The study sheds light on the complex relationship between ALS genetics and its mechanisms, highlighting challenges in developing safe treatments.
CABBI researchers have developed a triad of innovative tools to engineer low-pH-tolerant yeast Issatchenkia orientalis for production of valuable bioproducts. The three tools facilitate genetic expression, DNA assembly, and stability in the yeast strain, enabling its use as a robust organic acid producer.
Researchers developed a method to engineer specific populations of neurons to manufacture electronic-tissue composites within living cells. This approach enables targeted use of electrical fields for therapeutic applications, such as pain relief and tissue regeneration.
Scientists create a technique to transform cells into chemical engineers that use synthetic materials to construct functional polymers with specific properties. They successfully built artificial structures on mammalian brain cells and neurons in the worm C. elegans, which can alter their behaviors.
Researchers discovered a temperature-sensing nerve cell that transmits signals activating or inhibiting receiving nerve cells, explaining how worms respond to good or bad temperatures. Genetic studies identified three conserved genes involved in this response, suggesting a similar mechanism may exist in higher organisms.
A new study reveals that random variation in brain development generates behavioral diversity in fruit flies, contradicting the nature vs nurture debate. The origin of unique behavioral idiosyncrasies lies in individual differences in neural circuit wiring, which significantly influence behavior.
African pastoralists, specifically the Himba community, exhibit a remarkably high rate of extra-pair paternity, with 48% of children fathered by non-marital partners. The study highlights how social norms support this practice, unlike in many Western societies where it is stigmatized.
Children separated from their parents for extended periods may experience long-term genetic changes due to elevated cortisol levels. The study highlights the importance of parental care on a child's genes and behavior.
A new study suggests that human cooperativity is an outcome of competition between cultural groups. Researchers found that culturally different groups compete, leading to the spread of traits that give groups a competitive edge, including cooperation.
A study in Nature Communications reveals that the unique perfume chemistry of two species of orchid bees, Euglossa viridissima and Euglossa dilemma, is driven by a single olfactory receptor gene. The researchers found that the two species can be distinguished by their distinct perfume compounds, which are mediated by the OR41 gene.
A new study using VA Million Veteran Program data identified five locations on the human genome related to anxiety risk in Americans of European descent and one in African Americans. The findings could lead to new understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders, which affect 1 in 10 Americans.
A recent study found that genetic data can accurately predict stroke risk, identifying individuals with a three-fold higher risk of ischemic stroke. This method is more precise than existing estimates based on clinical risk factors and can help pinpoint modifiable risk factors to mitigate the risk.
A new model for the evolution of mating systems focuses on genetically determined behaviors, competition among different behavioral strategies, and social interactions. The conflict between cooperative and competitive behaviors drives evolutionary transitions from one mating system to another.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that good sleep habits can compensate for a high genetic risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers analyzed over 385,000 participants and found that those with healthy sleep patterns had a 35% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
The study reveals that inbreeding is high among southern white rhinos due to their unique mating behavior, which includes female preference for individual males over others.
Researchers have identified a new species of bobtail squid in Okinawa's waters, named Euprymna brenneri, which is the eleventh known in the Euprymna genus. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of cephalopods off the coast of Okinawa and may shed light on their genes, behavior, and development.
Researchers discovered that a genetic mutation affecting neural crest cell behavior is linked to docility and facial features in modern humans. This study provides the first empirical validation of the self-domestication hypothesis, suggesting that human evolution led to changes in neural crest cells.
Researchers made progress in understanding protein conformation and accumulation in familial ALS, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder affecting 1-3 individuals per 100,000. The study sheds light on the interaction between normal and mutant Sod1 proteins, revealing misfolding as a central problem in ALS.
A study published in eLife analyzed ancient genetic data to investigate the decline of great auks. The findings suggest that intense hunting by humans likely caused their rapid extinction, even if the birds weren't already under threat from environmental changes. This highlights the potential for industrial-scale exploitation to drive ...