Articles tagged with Twin Studies
A twin study found that genetics significantly affects how children look at their environment, influencing social, emotional, and cognitive development. The research suggests that genes influence the way individuals visually explore their environments at a micro-level, leading to shaped visual experiences.
A large twin study suggests that genetic factors contribute to nearly 80% of schizophrenia risk. Researchers used a new statistical approach to estimate heritability and found a similar result when considering related disorders on the schizophrenia spectrum.
A new study found that childhood bullying causes mental health issues such as anxiety in the short term, but the negative impact decreases over time. The research, published in JAMA Psychiatry, used a robust study design to identify causation and suggests that children exposed to bullying can recover with continuous support.
A new study found that childhood bullying exposure contributes to multiple mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression. The study suggests that the effects of bullying on mental health dissipate over time, highlighting potential resilience in children who were bullied.
Researchers successfully isolated cells in microgravity using standard protocols, paving the way for genetic and omics studies on the International Space Station. This breakthrough could enable faster diagnosis of illnesses in astronauts, potentially saving lives.
Researchers found that identical twins share more T-cell clone receptors than expected due to potential exchange of T cells through cord blood before birth. This phenomenon suggests that some immune system cell clones created before birth can persist for about 40 years, shedding light on the diversity of T cell receptors in adults.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that one in five children born as a twin in sub-Saharan Africa dies before the age of five. Twin births carry higher risks for the children and mother, including early delivery and low birthweight. Improving medical support could reduce twin mortality rates in the region.
A team of neuroscientists confirms Immanuel Kant's 18th-century claim that experiencing beauty requires thought. The study found that adding a distraction to the experience reduces feelings of pleasure and beauty in viewing beautiful images, but not those from non-beautiful things.
A study by Australian National University reveals the world's biggest volcanoes in Hawaii formed along twin tracks due to a shift in the Pacific Plate's direction three million years ago. The discovery helps reconstruct Earth's history and understand volcanic activity away from tectonic plate boundaries.
A recent study found that genetics play a significant role in determining social media use, accounting for one-third to two-thirds of the variance. The research used twin study survey data and provided an analytical blueprint for studying genetic influence on communication behaviors.
Researchers at King's College London used 3D scans to analyze face shapes of nearly 1,000 UK female twins. They found that the shapes of the end of the nose, cheekbones, and inner corner of the eye are highly influenced by genetics. The study published heritability maps, showing specific genes involved in shaping human faces.
Researchers at King's College London used a genetic scoring technique to predict reading performance throughout school years from DNA alone. Genetic scores explained up to 5% of the differences in reading ability between children, with students having highest and lowest genetic scores differing by two years in reading performance.
Researchers found that sharing strong negative experiences enables extreme cooperation in groups and can cause individuals to be willing to die for the group. Human evolution explains the origin of this visceral bonding over shared painful experiences.
Treatment with vaginal progesterone significantly reduced preterm birth, neonatal complications, and death in pregnant women with twins and a short cervix. The study, which included data from six studies involving 303 women, found that vaginal progesterone use was associated with a 31% lower risk of preterm delivery before 33 weeks.
Research at the University of Sydney found that back pain is linked to a 13% increased risk of death in older Australians. The study controlled for shared genetic factors and suggests that spinal pain may be part of a pattern of poor health, increasing mortality risk.
A new study by researchers at King's College London found that genetic factors play a significant role in anxiety related to spatial and mathematical tasks. The study identified several forms of anxiety, including general, mathematics, and spatial anxiety, with non-shared environments contributing to differences between individuals.
Researchers studying NASA astronaut Scott Kelly's gut bacteria found changes associated with spaceflight that reversed upon return to Earth. The study, part of the 'twins' research, also discovered fluctuations in bacterial populations between identical twin brothers Scott and Mark Kelly.
The NASA Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop in Galveston, Texas, brought together scientists and students to tackle the complex field of Omics. Researchers presented preliminary results from the Twins Study, which examines the effects of long-duration spaceflight on identical twins Scott and Mark Kelly.
A study found that in utero environmental factors, such as placement in the womb and access to nutrition, affect cortical structure and lead to differences in brain volume by teenage years. Epigenetic processes also play a role in this relationship.
A new study found that genetic differences significantly affect engagement with online media, including games for entertainment and education, and social networking. Heritability estimates suggest that genetics account for up to 39% of time spent on online gaming.
Researchers found that genetic and environmental influences affect language-related brain activities in the left frontal area of the brain. The study used magnetoencephalography to measure brain activity in monozygotic and dizygotic elderly Japanese twins, revealing that verbal memory is associated with lower-power ERDs.
Researchers found that problems spread between siblings within behavioral domains, then escalate and spread across different domains. Sibling influence is a risk factor for illicit substance use, predicting substance use by both twins.
A new study has associated genetic loci with bacterial species and metabolic signatures, revealing that human genes affect the microbiome. The study found associations between lactase variants and Bifidobacterium presence, as well as C-type lectin gene variants with immune system function.
A landmark twin study has identified moderate to strong genetic contributions to the volume of cortical and subcortical brain structures in people over 65. The research found that specific brain regions, such as the hippocampus, have high genetic influences, while others show unique genetic determinants.
A large international study found that delivery at 37 weeks minimizes stillbirths and newborn deaths in twins. The researchers analyzed data from 32 studies on uncomplicated twin pregnancies and concluded that delivery before 36 weeks may not be necessary for monochorionic pregnancies.
A CU study reveals that genes may play a significant role in how people perceive their weight, with female participants showing a stronger genetic influence. The research used twin data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, finding that perceived weight status has a heritability estimate of 0.47.
A University of Virginia study found that married individuals tend to drink less frequently and in fewer drinks than single or divorced people. In contrast, singles are more likely to drink more often and in larger quantities. The researchers suggest that intimate relationships may provide a protective effect against excessive drinking.
A study of monozygotic Swedish twins found that higher BMI was associated with increased risk of diabetes, but not heart attack or death. The results suggest that interventions promoting weight loss may be more effective in reducing diabetes risk than cardiovascular disease and mortality.
A study of 4,046 genetically identical twin pairs found that higher Body Mass Index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes but not heart attack or mortality. The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, suggests lifestyle changes may be less effective against cardiovascular risks than previously thought.
A study of Swedish twins found no association between higher BMI and increased heart attack risk, but a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that interventions targeting weight loss may be more effective in reducing diabetes risk than cardiovascular disease risk.
Researchers used a genetic scoring technique to predict academic achievement from DNA, achieving 10% accuracy. This surpasses previous methods like gender and 'grit', which explained only 1-5% of the variance in educational achievement.
Researchers used high-intensity focused ultrasound to ablate placental blood vessels in sheep, successfully occluding vessels with minimal complications. The technique shows promise for treating twin-twin transfusion syndrome and related pregnancy disorders.
A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that genetics account for approximately half of the differences in character traits among individuals. Environmental factors outside of home and school environments influence the remaining variation in character, with certain personality traits driving l...
A new study confirms that lupus prevalence is higher in non-European populations due to a genetic basis. The research identified 10 additional risk alleles associated with lupus, bringing the total to 88.
Researchers found that environmental factors and epigenetic changes are necessary to alter immune gene expression in individuals with familial ALS. This discovery may pave the way for developing preventive strategies for those at risk of ALS.
US research suggests that moms who don't use fertility treatment are more likely to have twins with birth defects. The study found associations between twinning and birth defects, particularly in mothers of identical twins and those using fertility treatment.
A genome-wide association analysis of over 1,000 UK twins found that some parts of the microbiome are inherited through genes. The study identified more than a dozen microbes with known links to health that are heritable.
A study of 33,588 Danish twins found psoriasis associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity, with a possible common genetic cause. The prevalence of psoriasis was higher among individuals with obesity, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions.
The NASA Twins Study uses omics to compare identical twin astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly, shedding light on the effects of spaceflight on human health. By analyzing biomolecules, researchers hope to develop personalized countermeasures for astronauts, leading to longer and healthier lives.
A study by Hannah Swegarden and colleagues identifies four heirloom dry bean cultivars with high yield stability as ideal for local organic production in Minnesota. Heirloom varieties like 'Lina Sisco's Bird Egg' and 'Peregion' showed relatively high yields, making them a viable marketing option for small-scale producers.
Researchers found that vitamin C intake was associated with clearer lenses and a reduced risk of cataract progression. The study suggests that increasing fruit and vegetable consumption through a healthy diet may help protect against cataracts, particularly in older adults.
A University of Alberta study uses gentle vibrations to identify structural changes in the spine, altering its vibration response significantly. The findings show the viability of vibration as a diagnostic tool to improve MRI utilization and potentially diagnose new conditions.
Researchers found that genetics play a major role in the bilateral parietal lobes and left temporal lobe, while environment dominates other brain regions. This study provides insights into how nature and environment interact to shape our brains, potentially informing the development of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
A large twin study found no significant association between major surgery and general anesthesia with long-term cognitive decline in older patients. Preoperative cognitive levels and underlying diseases are more important for cognitive functioning in aging patients following surgery.
Researchers found that sub-clinical gut microbiota imbalances occur before T2D symptoms develop, suggesting a potential new way to diagnose the condition early. The study's findings also highlighted the importance of tracking changes in gut microbiota over time and across different stages of disease development.
A large-scale study of 4,500 twins found that personality traits, not grit, predict around six percent of the differences in GCSE results. Grit alone only predicted 0.5 percent of these differences. The researchers suggest teaching grit to pupils may not be as effective as previously thought.
The study found an excess familial risk for almost all types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer, as well as more rare forms like testicular cancer and melanoma. Researchers estimated that having a twin sibling diagnosed with cancer increases the other twin's risk of developing any type of cancer.
A new study by USC researchers found that people with high anxiety levels have a 48% higher risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from the Swedish Adoption Twin Study of Aging and found that chronic anxiety is linked to damage in the brain, including the hippocampus and frontal cortex.
A combination of detailed CT imaging and 3-D printing technology has been used to plan the surgical separation of conjoined twins. The 3-D models were designed so that they could be assembled together or separated during the surgical planning process, with a high level of concordance between the models and the twins' actual anatomy.
A new study from the University of Minnesota used a network of 180 sensors to capture detailed temperature patterns across the Twin Cities metropolitan area, highlighting the strength and variability of the urban heat island effect. The research provides valuable insights into efforts to reduce heat-related harm in metro areas globally.
Researchers at King's College London found a strong association between leg power and improved brain ageing in healthy female twins. The study suggests that simple interventions like increased walking can have a positive impact on cognitive health.
A new study led by King's College London found that splitting human embryos to produce twins for IVF may not be viable due to delays in development. The research suggests that a 'developmental clock' plays a critical role in earliest stages of human development, which can be interrupted by the splitting process.
Researchers at King's College London have identified a method to quickly estimate total body mole count using a smaller 'proxy' area, like the arm. Females with over 7 moles on their right arm had 9 times more risk of having 50+ moles overall, while those with 11 or more had 100+, indicating higher melanoma risk.
Researchers developed an epigenetic algorithm that accurately predicts male sexual orientation by analyzing DNA methylation patterns in nine specific regions of the genome. The algorithm achieved a 70% accuracy rate in predicting male sexual orientation, providing new insights into the molecular markers underlying human sexuality.
Researchers found that people's aesthetic preferences for faces agree about 50% and disagree about 50% with others. Personal experiences, such as those with friends or media, play a significant role in shaping individual face preferences, according to the study published in Current Biology.
A twin study found that genetic factors contribute significantly to insomnia in adults, with a higher heritability in females (59%) compared to males (38%). This study provides evidence for sex differences in insomnia development and may inform targeted sleep interventions for women.
A large international randomized clinical trial found that cervical pessary insertion did not reduce spontaneous preterm births or neonatal complications in women with twins. The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, included 1,180 twin pregnancies and showed no significant differences between groups.
A twin study found that genetic factors account for approximately 30 percent of person-to-person variance in sweet taste perception. The study also revealed a shared pathway between the perception of natural sugars and high-potency sugar substitutes.
A team from Duke University has developed a new method to measure the aging process in young adults, finding that signs of aging can appear as early as age 26. The study used 18 biological measures to determine an individual's pace of aging, with some participants aging at rates of three years per year.
Researchers will investigate how early childhood influences versus recent influences affect cognitive and physical health in middle age. The study will analyze data from over 1,600 participants, including adoptees and twins, to better understand the role of genetic and environmental factors on cognition.