A study of over 1,000 twins found that cognitive tests in infancy can predict adult intelligence and cognition, with environmental influences playing a significant role. Early life environments, including pre-preschool years, matter more than previously thought, suggesting potential interventions to support cognitive aging.
A new study found that genetic differences account for 60% of variation in food fussiness at 16 months and 74% by age 13. Environmental factors become more influential in later years.
A new study reveals that teenagers who perceive their households as more unstructured and disorganized than their siblings develop more mental health problems in early adulthood. The findings suggest that psychologists could develop interventions to modify adolescents' perceptions of their home environments.
A study published in Cell Reports found that environmental factors play a significant role in shaping metacognitive abilities, including mentalizing. The researchers used twin studies to investigate the interplay between genetics and environment on cognitive processing.
Researchers found an epigenetic signature in cheek cells of obese twins that differs from their thinner siblings, suggesting a susceptibility to obesity may be written into molecular processes. The discovery could lead to a simple cheek swab test for an obesity biomarker and enable earlier prevention methods.
A recent twin study found that serious eating disorder ARFID is highly influenced by genetic factors, with a significant 79% genetic component. Researchers estimate that between 1-5% of the population is affected by ARFID.
A new twin study by Karolinska Institutet suggests that the same genes may be behind both cardiometabolic diseases and dementia. The study found that individuals with multiple cardiometabolic conditions had a significantly increased risk of developing dementia.
A study using 3D MRI in 632 monozygotic and dizygotic twins found that genetic and environmental factors interact to shape the vocal tract, with some structures having low heritability. The results provide new evidence on the relative contributions of genetics and environment to anatomical differences among people.
A large-scale study of UK twins found that identical twins shared a greater affinity for nature and frequent visits to natural spaces compared to fraternal twins. Heritability estimates ranged from 46% for nature orientation to 34% for garden visits, suggesting a moderate genetic influence.
A Yale University study found that genetic factors control developmental abnormalities, including pregnancy loss and autism. Researchers examined placental data from nearly 50 sets of twins and discovered similar frequencies of abnormal cell growths in identical twins, suggesting genetics play a key role.
A new study found that 70% of variability in deal proneness is associated with genetic factors, highlighting the existence of a heritable component. The research compared identical and fraternal twins, revealing stronger similarities in deal-proneness among identical twins.
Researchers at Lund University found that genes contribute more than previously thought to knee injuries, accounting for 69% of cases. The genetic risk was equally high in men and women, suggesting a possible preventive strategy by family members.
Research using identical and fraternal twins suggests that genetic variation contributes to individual differences in pleasure and reward processing. The study found that activation of the nucleus accumbens, a key structure in the brain's reward system, is moderately heritable, as are scores for physical anhedonia and pleasure.
Researchers found that genes in neural progenitor cells of affected babies were more active or less active in key signaling pathways, contributing to the development of congenital Zika syndrome. The study used twins and induced pluripotent stem cell technology to replicate the virus's effects in vitro.
A recent study led by the University of Arizona found that trust is significantly influenced by genetics, while distrust appears to be primarily socialized. The research suggests that trust and distrust are distinct qualities, with genetics playing a more significant role in shaping trust behaviors.
A study by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has identified two genetic variants that increase the chance of mothers having dizygotic twins. These variants are associated with fertility measures such as age of first menstruation and polycystic ovary syndrome, a major cause of infertility in women.
Researchers identified two genes associated with twinning, including one linked to higher levels of FSH that may lead to multiple eggs being released at once. The findings have implications for infertility treatments and may help predict how women respond to fertility treatments.
A new study investigates the relationships between genetic background, physical activity level, and lifespan. The findings reveal that same genetic factors affect physical activity level, aerobic capacity, and lifespan in both animal models and human twins. Voluntary running improved glucose metabolism but did not increase lifespan in ...
A study published in Pain journal found a genetic link between four common chronic pain syndromes, including IBS, musculoskeletal pain, pelvic pain, and dry eye disease. The research team analyzed over 8,000 twin pairs and concluded that each of the conditions is heritable, with a common genetic pathway estimated to be 66% heritable.
A CU-Boulder study finds that the link between height and IQ is due to both genetic factors, such as pleiotropy, and mate choice, where taller individuals are more likely to pair with smarter counterparts. The research used data from over 7,900 twins and their parents to disentangle these causes.
A study of over 800 twins found that genetic factors account for 73% of relationship problems in kindergarten through Grade 4. Identifying children at risk early on can help intervene and prevent chronic rejection or victimization, which can lead to academic, health, and mental health issues.
Research found that fainting triggers were common among twin sets, with identical twins more likely to experience fainting associated with typical triggers. The study suggests multiple genes and environmental factors influence the phenomenon of fainting.
A CU-Boulder study of twins reveals that genetic factors are playing a larger role in smoking habits, with identical twins more likely to quit together. The study suggests that current anti-smoking policies may be less effective and could benefit from a shift towards treating smoking as an addiction.
A UMass Medical School study found a genetic link in apnea of prematurity (AOP), with identical twins showing an 87% correlation. The research suggests heredity may play a strong role in determining an infant's susceptibility to AOP, leading to the development of more effective treatments and screening methods.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that genetics play a key role in whether someone is willing to participate in surveys. The research involved sending surveys to over 1,000 sets of twins and measuring response rates. Interestingly, the behavior of identical twins was a good predictor for each other, but not for fra...
A twin study published by the NIH/NIDCD found that a person's ability to process multiple sounds simultaneously is largely inherited. The researchers discovered that identical twins were more similar in their dichotic listening abilities, with a strong genetic component responsible for up to 73% of the variation.
A study of over 800 twin pairs found that premature ovarian failure was three to five times greater in twins at ages 40 and 45 compared to the general population. This finding applies to both identical and non-identical twins, with a significant association observed between twin disparities in menopausal ages.
The study found that heritability of osteoporotic fractures is stronger than previously estimated, especially for early-occurring fractures. Genetic variation in liability to fracture differed considerably by type of fracture and age at fracture event.
A study of twins and their partners/friends reveals a strong genetic component to our tendency to seek out people like ourselves. The researchers found that 34% of preference for similar mates was due to shared genes, with the greatest self-similarity seen in more heritable items.
A meticulous diary kept by a mother of twins has revealed indicators of autistic behaviour in children as young as six months of age. Children with autism develop normally for six months, then begin developing atypically, according to research published in Neurocase.
A new study by VCU researchers suggests that social support is a robust predictor of risk for depression in women, but not men. Women who reported higher levels of global social support were better protected against later episodes of major depression.
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.
Identical twins who communicated once a month or more lived significantly longer than those with less frequent contact, outliving fraternal twins by nearly two years. Frequent social interaction among identical twins appears to contribute to their longevity.
A study of 4,910 four-year-old twins found that genetic factors account for the largest share of asthma prevalence, with genes contributing 68% and environment accounting for just 13%. Environmental factors such as family diet and air pollution are likely to be much less important than genetic make-up.
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 study of identical twins found a significant association between chronic fatigue syndrome and an increased incidence of fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. The researchers suggest that physicians should assess CFS patients for other clinical conditions, as these illnesses can compound the condition's high costs.
Researchers are studying reading development in young twins to understand the environmental and genetic influences on early reading skills. The CU-Boulder portion of the project aims to identify factors that contribute to reading difficulties in preschool children.
A twin study found that genetic factors contribute more to women's depression, even in mild cases. The research suggests that genes, not family environment, are the primary cause of depression in women.
A study involving 1,500 pairs of Swedish and British twins found that aggressive behavior can be inherited, while social environment plays a crucial role in non-aggressive antisocial behavior. The research revealed different etiologies for aggressive and non-aggressive behaviors in boys and girls.
A study of over 4,700 twin brothers found that combat had a minor role in health issues such as hypertension, respiratory difficulties, and gastrointestinal disorders. Inherited factors accounted for 90% of reported health problems, with combat experience explaining less than 1%. The research suggests that environmental experiences oth...
A twin study found that genetic factors play a significant role in determining alcohol dependence risk in women, contradicting the long-held assumption that environment influences alcoholism more in women. Women with an alcoholic identical twin sister are six times more likely to be alcohol dependent.