Siblings often turn out quite different from one another, despite sharing much of their genetics and childhood environment. One of the most robust findings in this realm is that earlier-born siblings tend to outperform later-borns in measures of intelligence and educational achievement. But what causes these birth order differences? Is it nature or nurture? A …
Researchers have uncovered new insights into the genetic underpinnings of human facial likeness and physical similarity in an intriguing nature versus nurture study on real-life look-alike pairs. Key Findings: 50% of look-alike pairs studied shared high genetic similarity, despite being unrelated Over 19,000 SNPs were identified that were shared across genetically similar look-alike pairs These …
Dogs exhibit a wide range of behaviors, some of which we find problematic. New research is unraveling the genetic underpinnings of canine personality and behavior, offering insights into psychiatric disorders while opening doors for better behavioral care in our furry friends. Key facts: Genetic testing of dogs predicted problem behaviors like fear, anxiety and aggression …
A new study published in Brain Sciences has uncovered important epigenetic differences in a group of Mexican children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to neurotypical controls. The research provides new insights into the complex interplay between genes and environment in ASD, with implications for improving diagnosis and treatment. Key facts: Researchers found 853 …
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting around 5% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide. The core symptoms are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with normal functioning and development. ADHD is associated with difficulties in school, work, and social relationships, as well as increased risk for other mental …
New research shows that when mothers experience famine during pregnancy, it can change babies’ brain development in the womb. This may increase their risk for mental illnesses like schizophrenia and depression later in life. Key Facts: Babies whose mothers experienced famine while pregnant had a higher risk of schizophrenia as adults. For depression, results were …
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Dopamine plays an important role in PD development. Here are some key facts: Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain involved in movement, motivation, and mood. Loss of dopamine-producing neurons causes the motor symptoms of PD like tremors, rigidity, and …
Researchers did the largest analysis ever on how similar spouses and partners are for different traits. They found that partners tend to be positively correlated, meaning they are more alike than random pairs of people. However, how much partners resemble each other differs a lot depending on the trait. Additionally, they saw that couples from …
Researchers explored the relationship between body weight and depression symptoms in teens and adults. They found a link between higher body weight and increased depression, especially among teens. Genetic factors appear to play only a small role. Key Facts: Teens who had higher body mass index (BMI) at age 12 were more likely to have …
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects how people think, feel, and behave. It involves problems with hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, lack of motivation, and impaired functioning. Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population and typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood. The causes are still poorly understood. In a new study, researchers found …
