Summary: Variations in the CD38 gene, previously associated with attachment-related behavior in animals, are linked to daily romantic interaction patterns, perceptions, and relationship adjustment in humans. CD38 Gene Variant Associated with Communal Behavior and Relationship Adjustment Source: Scientific Reports Key finding: A specific variation of the CD38 gene (rs3796863) is associated with how people behave, … Read more
St. Jude–Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project Identifies a Frequent Genetic Alteration Driving Ependymoma The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital–Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project has discovered the most common genetic alteration reported to date in ependymoma, a childhood brain tumor, and provided strong evidence that this change actively drives tumor formation. The study was … Read more
Summary: New research has identified a promising therapeutic target to prevent dangerous cardiovascular and metabolic complications associated with obstructive sleep apnea. The study shows that gut microbes change bile acids, and those modified bile acids influence disease pathways systemically. Using genetically engineered mouse models, investigators found that deleting a specific bile acid sensor—the farnesoid X … Read more
Summary: A new study shows that holding pseudoscientific or illusory beliefs about health is linked to reduced trust in conventional medicine and an increased likelihood of choosing unvalidated therapies. Analysis of more than 1,500 participants found that stronger illusory health beliefs predicted greater use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and lower adherence to evidence-based … Read more
Summary: Comparing the transcriptomes—the full map of gene activity—across many brain disorders reveals shared molecular signatures, clarifies relationships among diseases, and offers a promising path toward more accurate diagnosis and improved treatment strategies. Source: PLOS New research from Yashar Zeighami and colleagues at McGill University presents a molecular approach to characterize and compare brain diseases. … Read more
Summary: Researchers have discovered a new molecular-mechanical mechanism that temporarily reduces auditory sensitivity by softening the gating spring in sensory hair cells. This adaptive response could help protect the inner ear from loud sounds that cause hearing damage. Source: University of Colorado A recent study published in PNAS describes a newly identified mechanism that regulates … Read more
Summary: Researchers examined how young children begin to understand and use deception, tracking their thinking and behavior as they learn when and how to lie. Source: The Conversation. Lying carries clear costs for both the liar and those who are deceived. For the person who lies, maintaining a false story is mentally demanding: it requires … Read more
Summary: A large new study led by Monash University found that unusually high levels of HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), commonly called “good cholesterol,” were linked to an increased risk of dementia in older adults. This analysis of participants in the ASPREE study included 18,668 initially healthy older adults and found that those with very high … Read more
Summary: Nostalgic music activates brain regions tied to memory, reward, and self-processing, a finding that could help improve quality of life for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers report that familiar, emotionally charged songs can trigger vivid autobiographical memories and engage multiple brain systems. Understanding these neural mechanisms may open new therapeutic avenues for … Read more
Summary: Researchers have identified two genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease in African Americans. Source: Boston University Medical Center. New research has uncovered two genetic risk loci associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in African Americans. Published online in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the study pinpoints variants near the genes COBL and SLC10A2 and highlights a … Read more
