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Sick and tired -- not just a figure of speech

A large-scale study found that genetics accounts for about eight percent of people's differences in self-reported tiredness/low energy. Most of these genetic contributions overlapped with mental and physical health conditions, as well as lifestyle factors like smoking and weight.

SourceSpringer·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 14, 2017

Depressed patients with earlier and more severe symptoms have high genetic risk for major psychiatri

A recent study found that depressed patients with an early age at onset and higher symptom severity have a significantly increased genetic risk for major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The research used genome-wide data to identify specific subgroups of depressed patients based on their clinical characteristics.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 7, 2017

Why am I shorter than you?

A recent study has identified 83 DNA variants that modulate human height, with some affecting it by more than 2 cm. The discovery is significant for understanding the genetic basis of complex diseases such as diabetes and schizophrenia, and may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Researchers develop new approach for better big data prediction

A new approach to analyzing big data has been developed at Columbia University, Princeton and Harvard University. The Influence score, or I-score, is a statistic that can identify highly predictive variables in large datasets. This method has potential applications in predicting diseases, social science phenomena, and financial markets.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2016

For First Nations people, effects of European contact are recorded in the genome

A study analyzing the genomes of 25 individuals from 1,000 to 6,000 years ago and their descendants found that variants beneficial before European contact became disadvantageous upon arrival. The researchers discovered a significant decline in these alleles, suggesting negative selection may have contributed to population decline.

New tools identify key evolutionary advantages from ancient hominid interbreeding

Researchers have developed statistical tools to pinpoint genomic regions that confer benefits to modern humans, such as the EPAS1 gene, which helps Tibetans adapt to high altitudes. The study suggests these interbred regions may have enabled archaic humans to survive in Eurasia and were passed on to present-day populations.

Bad seeds: How the parental lineage may determine viability in tomato hybrids

Researchers found misregulated imprinting at play in hybrid seeds from South American wild tomato species, affecting core gene regulation and contributing to seed failure. Genome-wide shifts occurred that favored maternal expression, suggesting a key role for epigenetic genomic imprinting in explaining differences in seed viability.

Face shape is in the genes

A genome-wide association study identified genetic variants that contribute to the formation of healthy facial traits, including nose size and face width. The study confirmed previous findings and provided insights into the role genes play in facial development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 25, 2016

Genetic and environmental risk factors for chronic pain

A new study found that genetic factors account for 38.4% of the variation in chronic pain risk, while shared environment with spouses contributes to 18.7%. The research also discovered a correlation between chronic pain and depression, highlighting the importance of identifying shared causal mechanisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 16, 2016

Cellular snowplow keeps genes open

A new study reveals how immune cells access specific genes to fight inflammation and infections, using the cellular snowplow mechanism. The researchers found that nucleosome remodelers clear away blizzards of nucleosomes, allowing genes to be expressed.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 16, 2016

Sex hormones skew outcomes in clinical trials -- here's how

A growing number of scientists argue that sex hormones and other variables affect how therapeutics behave, necessitating male and female inclusion in trials. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can significantly impact research, making it essential to consider these differences when testing drugs or transplant tolerance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 9, 2016