Articles tagged with Twin Studies
A recent study published in The British Journal of Psychiatry found that genetic inheritance is the main cause of unexplained disabling fatigue in children. The research, conducted at Cardiff University, suggests that familial influences play a significant role in both short- and prolonged-duration fatigue.
A new study of twins found that genetic susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis is significantly increased among those born in the northern environment, with a higher concordance rate among identical twins. Northern residence also contributed to an earlier onset of the disease, suggesting environmental factors play a crucial role.
A new study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that combining tongue and tooth brushing with dental flossing significantly decreased gingival bleeding by 38 percent after a two-week oral hygiene program. Halitosis was also reduced, with gingival bleeding sites increasing by almost four percent in those who didn't floss.
A USC study found that the environment plays a big role in women starting to smoke, while genetics are a stronger influence for men. The study suggests that societal interventions can help prevent smoking initiation and highlight the importance of peer influence and social networks.
A study found that improving education on the risks of twins improved IVF patients' understanding and reduced their desire for multiple births. However, despite increased knowledge, many patients still prefer to have twins due to a desire to complete their family quickly with minimal treatments.
A new study found that high plasma folate levels are associated with an increased risk of twin births after in-vitro fertilization (IVF), particularly when two embryos are transferred. The study suggests that limiting folic acid intake may help reduce the incidence of multiple births while maintaining livebirth rates.
A study of male Vietnam veterans and their identical twins found that those with PTSD had higher scores on neurologic tests, indicating subtle brain abnormalities. These findings suggest a dysfunction in the cerebral cortex, which could increase PTSD risk or reduce recovery likelihood.
A Swedish Twin Registry study found that neuroticism is a significant risk factor for anorexia, particularly in women. The disorder is estimated to be 56% heritable, with environmental factors contributing to the remaining percentage.
Researchers studied over 500 pairs of twins, finding that changes in gene expression between ages 14 and 18 accounted for up to one-third of the blood pressure variation by age 18. Novel genetic influences emerged during this period, suggesting new genes play a role in regulating blood pressure.
A large-scale study confirms that Alzheimer's disease has a significant genetic component, accounting for 79% of risk factors. The study analyzed data from over 11,800 twin pairs and found that identical twins showed only a 45% concordance rate for the disease.
A large twin study found that genetic factors are highly influential in Alzheimer's disease development, with identical twins showing similar age at onset. The study suggests genes play a key role in disease timing, with concordance rates higher in women due to their greater longevity.
Researchers found that childhood sexual abuse, poor parent-child relationships, and low social support were common risk factors for depression in both men and women. However, the study revealed that childhood parental loss and low self-esteem were more potent variables in men than in women.
A VCU study found that the heritability of major depression is approximately 42% in women and 29% in men, indicating a potential sex-specific genetic component. The research team analyzed data from over 42,000 twins to understand the role of genetics in depression.
A study by the University of Chicago found that identical twins shared similar characteristics of loneliness at a rate of 50%, while fraternal twins shared at 25%. The research suggests that genetics may play a significant role in the development of loneliness, which can have severe consequences on mental and physical health.
Researchers found that lipid levels and heart rate variability are 60-80% determined by genetics, with blacks showing a more favorable pattern of heart rate variability. The study provides new insight into the development of cardiovascular disease and may lead to targeted treatment strategies.
Research by King's College London and City University found that shared environments, including prenatal factors and socialization effects, contribute significantly to gender-role behavior in early childhood. The study suggests that environmental influences are more important in shaping behavior than genetic factors during this age group.
Researchers found that identical twins may have more differences than expected due to epigenetic changes. The study analyzed epigenetic changes in 40 pairs of twins and found that those with greater health differences had higher methylation levels, which could impact cancer development.
Studies have found that monozygotic twin pregnancies can be complicated by a surprisingly high rate of fetal death despite intensive fetal surveillance. In one study, ten unexpected intrauterine deaths occurred in seven pregnancies with no prior signs of complications after 32 weeks' gestation.
Research suggests long-term cancer survivors may experience increased cognitive impairment, with 15% showing signs of cognitive dysfunction. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into potential causes and possible treatments.
The study investigates individual differences in language development among 4.5-year-old twins, finding that genetic and environmental influences shape both average and low-ability language skills. The results suggest a shared role of genetics and environment in shaping language abilities in boys and girls.
A study of French Canadian families found a strong genetic link to restless legs syndrome on chromosome 12q, with periodic leg movements during sleep being a key distinguishing feature. The findings support the involvement of multiple genetic loci in the common sleep disorder.
A twin study found that genetic factors contribute substantially to the development of AMD, accounting for 46-71% of disease severity variation. Environmental factors also play a role, with unique environment contributing 19-37% and shared environment 28-64% to AMD grade and specific macular measures.
A study on twin pairs found that environmental influences play a role in shaping religiousness during childhood, but a stronger genetic influence emerges in adulthood. Like other personality traits, adult religiousness is heritable, indicating that an individual's faith can be influenced by their genetic makeup.
The new Pacific Rim Transdisciplinary Tobacco & Alcohol Use Research Center will investigate substance use among teenagers and analyze the impact of environmental factors on smoking-related behaviors. The center's studies aim to understand why some prevention programs work while others do not.
A large study of Swedish twins found no association between neuroticism, extraversion, and increased cancer risk. Despite previous hypotheses linking these traits to cancer, the research suggests that certain personality traits do not influence cancer risk.
A recent study found that genetic variation can predict an individual's likelihood of taking up smoking and their nicotine dependency. Chromosomes 6, 14, and 10 contain regions associated with smoking behavior. Researchers used a large twin study to investigate the role of genetics in smoking.
A study found that genetic differences are the primary cause of variation in long-term average alcohol intake. Some genes affect both intake and dependence, while others influence only dependence. The research suggests that individuals can make lifestyle choices to improve their health and reduce risk, even with a family history of hea...
Researchers found that using specific antibodies to clear a certain type of brain lesion reversed abnormalities arising from another, halting disease progression. Early treatment significantly increases chances of success.
Research suggests that genetics studies demonstrate a significant impact of environment on Alzheimer's disease. Low levels of education are also found to be a risk factor for all groups, including identical twins. Additionally, disclosing an Alzheimer susceptibility gene does not increase anxiety about developing the disease.
The study found that one in five women seeking treatment desired multiples over having a singleton, while fewer knew about the increased risk of cerebral palsy and infant death for twins. Infertile couples view twins as a 'bonus' to quickly build their families, but this increases risks such as preterm delivery.
A twin study found a possible connection between depression and heart disease, with decreased heart rate variability (HRV) being a key factor. The study suggests that treating clinical depression, including minor forms, may help reduce the risk of heart disease by normalizing HRV.
The study found that children of MZ and DZ twins with a history of alcohol dependence were significantly more likely to exhibit alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence than those with non-alcoholic fathers. A low-risk environment can moderate the impact of high genetic risk regarding offspring for the development of alcohol-use disorders.
Researchers analyzed data from twin pairs to find a link between leisure activities and reduced cognitive impairment. The study found that greater overall participation in intellectual-cultural activities, such as reading or joining clubs, was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
A study by USC researchers found that engaging in leisure activities can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Among female twin pairs, those who participated frequently in intellectually stimulating activities showed a reduced risk of Alzheimer's. The research controlled for genetics and early life experiences.
Researchers found that twins who started menstruating earlier were more likely to develop breast cancer, suggesting a link between puberty hormones and genetic susceptibility. The study provides new insights into the causes of hereditary breast cancer and potential targets for intervention.
Monoamniotic twins shared the same amniotic sac and were found to have comparable rates of preterm labor and complications. In contrast, they had a significantly lower mean gestational age at admission and improved neonatal survival rates compared to dichorionic diamniotic twins.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is conducting a study to investigate the causes of rheumatic diseases, including lupus and scleroderma. The research focuses on identical twins and close siblings, collecting blood and urine samples to examine environmental exposures and genetic variations.
A study of 50 pairs of twins found that twins with a history of stimulant abuse performed significantly worse on tests of attention and motor skills compared to their non-drug using siblings. However, abusers showed improved performance on visual vigilance, suggesting long-term residual effects from stimulant abuse.
A genetic study found a new gene variant associated with general intelligence, located within the cathepsin D (CTSD) gene. The study, which followed 767 healthy adults over 15 years, discovered that a specific functional transition in exon 2 of CTSD increased cognitive decline.
A Michigan researcher has developed practical suggestions to balance tourism with bird conservation in the Pantanal. Stakeholders' perceptions of a wading bird colony as a community resource have been studied, leading to implemented measures such as staffed observation posts and guided tours.
Researchers found that a father's maximum number of drinks consumed in 24 hours is associated with disruptive behavior disorders, early substance-use initiation, and early substance-related disorders in his children. The study suggests that this 'phenotype' could supplement diagnostic categories for alcohol dependence.
A recent study of 289 identical twin pairs reveals that twins differ in their feelings of emotional distress, despite being genetically identical. The twin who was less distressed tended to have closer relationships with their mother and teachers, attend church more often, or had parents granting them more autonomy.
A recent study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that genetically identical twin pairs had similar breast densities, while non-identical pairs had breast densities about half as similar. This suggests that genetic factors play a major role in explaining why women of the same age have different breast density.
A reanalysis of 55 studies found no strong inverse association between low birthweight and high adult systolic blood pressure, suggesting that previous findings may be due to statistical bias or inconsistencies. The study also suggests that publication bias may have contributed to overestimates for the size of the association.
Research suggests BDNF and NMDA receptor subunits are reduced in rats with early maternal deprivation, leading to changes in hippocampus function. This study provides evidence for the presence of molecular changes in the brain following exposure to stressful conditions during development.
A study of older brother/sister twin pairs found that men and women had similar numbers of illnesses, with the exception of very life-threatening conditions. Women reported more total health problems and physical symptoms, while men had more cardiovascular conditions.
A Swedish study found IVF children are three times more likely to have cerebral palsy and four-fold increased risk of developmental delay compared to naturally conceived children. The authors recommend single embryo transfer during IVF to limit these risks.
Research finds that genetics, age, and depression are significant predictors of arthritis, while openness is linked to effective mental functioning among aging African Americans. The study also suggests a strong genetic influence on several measures of well-being, including life satisfaction and depression.
The study provides strong evidence that several genes influence the development of late-onset Parkinson's and that age at onset and response to levodopa may be useful discriminators for genetic origins. Researchers detected evidence for genetic linkage to five distinct regions on chromosomes 5, 6, 8, 9, and 17.
A new study on identical twins found that genetics plays a predominant role in differences in cholesterol levels, but diet also significantly contributes to variations in cholesterol levels. The researchers controlled for genetic factors and found an environmental association between diet and cholesterol levels.
A Belgian study of non-identical twins found that female twins prolong gestation by 0.4 weeks, resulting in a higher birthweight for their male co-twin. Birthweights of unlike-sex twins were also compared, with female twins having similar weights to same-sex twins but male twins weighing an average of 78g more.
A large cohort study found that pregnancy complications such as low birthweight, preterm delivery, and pre-eclampsia are associated with an increased risk of maternal ischaemic heart disease. Women who experienced these complications were more likely to be hospitalized or die from IHD.
Research examines 117 twins and finds that genetics account for 48-59% of periodontal disease differences. The study suggests identifying people at high risk before symptoms appear may lead to new treatment avenues.
A recent study published in Science found that genetic inheritance patterns continue to play a significant role in how people learn and process knowledge in old age. The research, conducted on Swedish twins aged 80+, showed that heritability accounted for 55% of individual differences in cognitive ability.
Researchers discovered a significant link between a specific genetic polymorphism and opioid dependence in humans. The long form of the dopamine D4 receptor Exon III seven repeat allele was found to be overrepresented in opioid-dependent subjects, indicating a potential genetic predisposition to addictive behavior.