A 2026 medRxiv preprint involving 370 healthy adults found that each increase in neighborhood-deprivation percentile rank was associated with epigenetic age acceleration on 3 of 4 second-generation DNA-methylation clocks, with lifetime adversity explaining 20.3% of the GrimAge association and 23.3% of the PCGrimAge association.1 Research Highlights 3 of 4 clocks accelerated: each increase in Area …
A 2026 prospective birth-cohort study in southern China linked mean cord-blood lead of 15.30 μg/L to lower infant neurodevelopmental scores across all 5 Ages and Stages Questionnaire domains, even though only 1.13% of samples exceeded 50 μg/L.1 A second finding was mechanistic: part of the lead-development association statistically ran through FAM50B/PTCHD3 DNA methylation, an epigenetic …
A 2026 Singapore birth-cohort preprint found a conditional childhood-anxiety signal: the cord-blood DNA methylation component predicted less age-13 anxiety only in boys in the low DMN-limbic trajectory group from ages 4.5 to 10.5 years. The paper is useful for mapping developmental risk biology, but it is not a screening test and it does not show …
The opioid crisis, particularly in North America, has spotlighted oxycodone as a central figure due to its significant role in addiction and overdose deaths. A recent review analyzed the genomic and epigenetic mechanisms behind oxycodone’s effects compared to other opioids, shedding light on its unique impact on addiction pathways. Highlights: Oxycodone, a semi-synthetic opioid derived …
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains one of the most challenging conditions for modern neurology, carrying a wide range of long-term consequences that can significantly impair an individual’s quality of life. In a new study, researchers analyzed the epigenetic landscape post-TBI, revealing significant DNA methylation changes in the hippocampus—a crucial area for memory and learning. The …
Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects millions worldwide, yet its underlying causes remain largely enigmatic. A new study integrated neuroimaging, transcriptomic, and epigenetic data to better understand the genetic underpinnings of MDD. This comprehensive approach revealed a complex interplay between brain structure, gene expression, and DNA methylation, offering new insights into this debilitating condition. Highlights: Integrative …
Nicotine addiction is not just a habit; it’s a complex interplay of molecular changes altering the brain’s function and structure. Recent research sheds light on how nicotine interacts with our genetic makeup, leading to persistent cravings and relapse. Highlights: Nicotine & Epigenetic Modification: Nicotine alters the way genes are expressed in the brain, affecting behavior …