Suicide remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with its prevention a top priority for both public health initiatives and individual care strategies. Recent research in the US Army offers new insights into the genetic underpinnings of suicide attempts, suggesting that polygenic risk scores (PRS) could become a valuable tool in identifying individuals at risk. …
The relationship between cannabis (marijuana) use and psychosis has been a topic of considerable scientific interest and public health concern. With changing legal statuses and societal attitudes towards cannabis use in many countries, understanding this relationship is more critical than ever. Highlights: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses show a consistent association between cannabis use and increased …
Depression, a leading cause of disability globally, often presents challenges in treatment due to the variability in individual responses to antidepressants. Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing, an approach aligning treatment with genetic makeup, promises to tailor depression therapy more effectively. Highlights: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) impacts a significant portion of the global population, with traditional treatments often …
Recent research has shed light on the complex relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and alterations in the cortical surface area (SA) of the brain. By analyzing large-scale genetic data, scientists have begun to unravel the intricate genetic correlations and causal connections between these two factors. Highlights: Genetic Correlation Identified: The study found a nominal …
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) presents a significant challenge in mental health, with its complex genetic and symptomatic landscape. Recent research focusing on the UK Biobank data has compared the genetic underpinnings of MDD symptoms assessed by the PHQ-9 and CIDI-SF tools. This comparison has highlighted significant differences in their genetic correlations and implications for understanding …
Recent advancements in genetics have illuminated the complex interplay between genetic factors and early vocabulary development in children. A comprehensive meta-genome-wide association study (meta-GWAS) delves into how genetic variations influence the acquisition of vocabulary in infancy and toddlerhood. This research not only enhances our understanding of language development but also sheds light on its genetic …
Tobacco use is a complex behavior influenced by both environmental factors and genetic predispositions. A recent study leveraging the UCLA ATLAS biobank explored the genetic underpinnings of Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD) and its systemic health effects using a Polygenic Score (PGS). Highlights: Genetic Underpinnings of Tobacco Use: The study used a European ancestry-derived PGS to …