Articles tagged with Behavior Genetics
Researchers found that banded mongooses inherit their feeding preferences from their escorts, not biological parents, and these learned behaviors last a lifetime. The study also suggests cultural inheritance may play an important role in many animal species, shaping individual diversity.
Mongooses learn lifelong habits from escort animals rather than their genetic parents, according to University of Exeter researchers. This cultural inheritance helps maintain diversity within groups, contradicting expectations that it would lead to uniformity.
Researchers identified a mutated mouse line with reduced fear responses to fox odorants due to a Trpa1 gene mutation. The study found that the trigeminal system, not the olfactory system, triggers instinctive fear responses.
A new study found that obesity is associated with an increased risk of taking up smoking and higher smoking frequency. The research suggests that genetic markers linked to body mass index may play a role in influencing smoking behavior, with potential implications for public health interventions.
In a study on red flour beetles, researchers found that males were more likely to mate with other males when there was less pressure to find a female mate. In contrast, in populations with high female bias, male beetles lost their ability to discriminate between male and female mates.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that the Bahamian anole lizard's genetic variation is surprisingly low, making it unlikely to adapt quickly to future climate scenarios. The research suggests that strong selection pressure in the past may have eliminated future genetic variation.
A recent study published in Genetics identifies five genes that control sociality in chickens, shedding light on the genetic basis of this complex behavior. The researchers used a cross between wild and domestic chickens to assess sociality and gene expression, revealing a surprising connection between sociality and anxiety.
The All of Us Research Program aims to accelerate research and improve health by collecting genetic, biological, environmental, health, and lifestyle data from 1 million+ volunteer participants. Participants will have access to their own health information and contribute to a national research resource.
Researchers studying social defeat in broad-horned flour beetles may uncover insights into combat-induced PTSD. A UTA graduate student hopes her research could shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind changes in behavior, potentially leading to new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorders.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute will study genetic factors behind oxycodone and cocaine addiction using a unique, genetically diverse rat model. The five-year grants will allow for the creation of shared tissue banks for researchers worldwide to use in addiction studies.
A new study published in Chronobiology International found that night owls have a 10% higher risk of dying than morning larks. This is the first study to look at mortality risk and highlights the importance of allowing evening types greater flexibility in working hours.
Researchers have identified genetic links between ALS and frontotemporal dementia, suggesting that treatments for one may also work for the other. The study found common genetic variations associated with both disorders, including those near the MAPT gene and BNIP1.
A study on Caenorhabditis elegans reveals a gene that regulates exploration and homeboding in worms, which also exists in the human genome. This gene responds to adrenaline and is linked to behavior in mice, with implications for understanding parental behavior in humans.
A global study of DNA samples from 520,000 individuals identified 22 new genetic risk factors for stroke, according to researchers. The findings are significant as they will increase potential targets for stroke drug development and provide valuable insights into dementia research.
Scientists found that biological sex modifies communication between nerve cells and generates different responses in males and females to the same stimulus. This study used C. elegans to demonstrate how sex-specific configurations of neural circuits can modify behavior.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University used gene and cell therapy to treat spinal cord injuries, improving motor functions and tissue structure. The approach, which uses umbilical cord blood cells to transport therapeutic genes, has potential applications for other demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.
A bioengineering team has designed genetic 'circuits' using living cells to study microRNA expression. This research aims to improve synthetic biology and gene therapy by understanding how microRNAs function in different biological contexts.
Researchers found significant variation in the response threshold of cloned ants to sweetened water, with some preferring diet soda equivalents and others requiring stronger concentrations. This diversity may be driven by epigenetic modifications that allow for individualized adaptation and potentially enhance long-term colony survival.
A team of researchers at the University of Missouri has identified 286 genes associated with autism, including 193 new genes not found in previous studies. This breakthrough could lead to the development of screening tools and interventions for young children and improve diagnosis accuracy.
Researchers discovered patterns of behavior across different stages of life in C. elegans worms, showing that genetic differences and neuromodulators contribute to individuality. The team found that removing serotonin reduced unique foraging behaviors, highlighting the importance of diversity in species survival.
Research reveals that clonal ants show diversity in their attraction to sweetness, with some preferring diet soda-like solutions and others requiring regular soda concentrations. The study suggests epigenetic modifications are involved, leading to changes in gene functions and potentially affecting colony survival.
A new review article provides a novice-level introduction to applying molecular genomics techniques to study complex behavior. The guide recommends specific tools and collaborations for behavioral ecologists, aiming to bridge the gap between behaviorists and genome annotators.
Red-fronted lemurs demonstrate ability to differentiate between conspecifics and closely related sister species based on facial pattern and color variations. The study found that females showed a stronger reaction than males, indicating visual and olfactory signals play crucial role in species recognition.
A Cornell University study has identified genes in the brain that regulate social behaviors in fish, including reproduction, parental care, and aggression. The research found that these genes are expressed during flexible social behaviors, which is crucial for survival and reproduction.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that exposure to valproic acid, a migraine treatment, causes characteristics similar to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in zebrafish. The study validated zebrafish as a model for studying ASD and its causes, providing a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional rodent models.
A study has linked individual variation in biological motion perception to genetic factors, revealing a common genetic basis for heritable aspects of BM perception and autistic traits. Genetic influences account for up to 50% of individual variation in local kinematics processing, while environmental factors shape global configuration ...
A new study analyzing yellow warbler genomes finds that genes associated with exploratory and migratory behavior may be important for successful climate adaptation. Precipitation is the climate factor with the strongest association with specific genomic traits.
Researchers discovered a chemical, HP-I, that regulates female mosquito sexual proclivities, helping females avoid multiple mates and reducing disease transmission. The protein's role in inter-species sex also holds promise for understanding complex reproductive patterns between different mosquito species.
A large genetic study found a significant link between delay discounting and ADHD, obesity. Delay discounting refers to the tendency to undervalue future rewards, which was found to be correlated with various psychiatric and behavioral traits.
Researchers analyzed vervet monkey genes to understand their interaction with SIV, a close relative of HIV. The study revealed the monkeys' ability to live with the virus has evolved over time, offering valuable data for humans to develop more effective treatments.
A recent study found that genetic susceptibility to bipolar disorder increases the risk for suicide attempt, but only among those who have experienced traumatic stress such as bullying, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. The research highlights the importance of environmental stressors in developing suicide attempts in individuals at...
A study found that mirror-image Japanese land snails can overcome their physical barrier to mate in a face-to-face position. The researchers also discovered genetic similarities between the two types, suggesting they should be considered a single species.
A new study has identified a genetic basis for natural variation in aging rates, found to be regulated by a novel neuropeptide coding gene (rgba-1) and its receptor gene npr-28. This discovery provides new insights into the biological regulation of healthy aging.
Researchers found a previously dismissed genetic mechanism that contributes to nicotine dependence and withdrawal effects. The study identified specific genes and microRNA that play an essential role in how the roundworms develop nicotine dependence and withdrawal responses.
A study of two related fruit fly species reveals a single gene regulates behavior for attracting a mate, leading to distinct wooing techniques. The research suggests that the same neurons in both species evolved to generate different behaviors due to acquired gene expression.
Researchers from the University of Zurich have identified a distinct third species of orangutans, Pongo tapanuliensis, through genomic and morphological analysis. The Tapanuli population is believed to be direct descendants of the first Sumatran population and has been isolated for at least 10,000 years.
Professor Chunghun Lim has received the 2017 SUHF Young Investigator award for his groundbreaking work in the field of life sciences. The Suh Kyungbae Science Foundation supports young scientists through a maximum grant of 2.5 billion KRW over five years to nurture and promote creative research.
Research finds that social experience with a female mouse triggers separate neural populations and aggressive behavior in males, challenging the 'hardwired' hypothesis. The study reveals that even innate behaviors have a degree of plasticity and computation.
Researchers discovered a genetic cause of autism that affects male mice more severely than females, leading to abnormal reward-learning behavior. This study sheds light on the sex differences in autism and may lead to new treatments for the disorder.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified the PNLDC1 gene as a key player in regulating sperm production, providing a genetic foundation for male birth control. The study's findings suggest that silencing this gene can lead to infertility in mice, making it a promising approach for human male contraception.
A new study from the University of Edinburgh found that lifestyle factors such as diet and activity levels have a major impact on regional obesity rates in Scotland. By addressing these factors, public health initiatives can help narrow the health divide between regions.
Researchers at UTHealth will investigate how genetic profiles interact with stressors like trauma exposure and HIV infection in cocaine addiction. The five-year study aims to develop more tailored treatments for this chronic public health problem.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that chimpanzees can spontaneously learn to use sticks to scoop food from water surfaces. The study suggests that some tool-use behaviors are within their pre-existing behavioral repertoire, contradicting the assumption that apes must observe others to learn new behaviors.
A study by the University of Exeter found that Trinidadian guppies exhibit complex personalities with distinct coping styles, remaining consistent even under stress. The research showed that individual differences persisted despite changes in behaviour due to environmental factors.
Researchers identify patterns of cell-to-cell communication as the core feature that makes possible rigorous distinctions among neuron types. The study points to 'core genetic recipe' for constructing diverse nerve cells, resolving long-standing debates about neuronal classification.
A new study from Linköping University finds that dogs' willingness to collaborate with humans is linked to genetic variations in the oxytocin receptor gene. The researchers discovered a possible explanation for why dogs differ in their ability to work together, which may have contributed to human selection during domestication.
A new review finds that genetic evidence used in the courtroom is unlikely to reduce culpability, as judges and juries perceive defendants' genetic factors both as a mitigating factor and an increased likelihood of re-offending. This mixed perception cancels out any potential effect on blame assignment.
Researchers found that stingless bees control worker reproduction through pheromones, allowing workers to care for the queen's offspring instead of their own. This adaptation creates a conflict between the queen and workers over reproductive interests.
Researchers have observed unusual neural activity in some genetically modified lab mice widely used in neuroscience research. This abnormal activity may be linked to the expression of a genetically-encoded calcium sensor during development.
Researchers propose that environmental factors play a significant role in shaping gender-specific traits, rather than solely genetic inheritance. This idea challenges the long-held assumption that biological sex directly influences behavior.
Researchers at CNIC have developed new methods to induce multispectral genetic mosaics in vertebrate models, allowing precise study of gene behavior. The technology enables simultaneous analysis of multiple genes in different cell populations, providing insights into gene interaction networks and regulatory hierarchies.
A team of scientists used CRISPR technology to genetically engineer Indian jumping ants, revealing the molecular basis of their social communication. The study found that mutations in specific genes affected ants' sense of smell and social behavior, with potential implications for human brain disorders.
A new study found that sharing personalized melanoma genomic risk information with relatives and friends can lead to increased discussions about skin cancer prevention. The study suggests that this process could encourage healthy behavior change within families.
Research reveals that young women who start menstruating earlier may spend less time in education due to delayed emotional development. On average, starting menstruation one year later was associated with an additional 53 days spent in education.
A new study published in Radiology found structural abnormalities in the brains of individuals with one of the most common genetic causes of autism. The abnormalities corresponded to cognitive and behavioral impairments, highlighting a potential future role for imaging in identifying those who need urgent intervention.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $17 million to develop innovative tools and partnerships for understanding the brain. The NeuroNex program will bring together researchers across disciplines to tackle the mysteries of the brain, with a focus on advancing theoretical frameworks and computational modeling.
Researchers found that environmental factors, such as 'vigorous gaping' behavior in larval fish, can significantly influence the development of their craniofacial bones. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that genetics is the primary driver of species variability.
A mouse model of autism shows that social environment influences behaviors characteristic of ASD. Housing genetically modified mice with unmodified littermates alters their behavior, highlighting the impact of social hierarchy on ASD-like traits.
Researchers found that fruit fly males prioritize courtship over sleep when aroused, while females can't afford to pass up an eligible suitor even if they're tired. The study revealed underlying connections between neural centers mediating sex and sleep in both males and females.
A Stanford study found that social forces can override genetically programmed behavior in male mice, triggering territorial rage in various situations. The researchers identified a specific nerve cell cluster that activates when a male mouse is left alone, leading to aggressive displays.