Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics News Archive
Large study finds genetic 'overlap' between schizophrenia, bipolar disorderKnowledge about the biological origin of diseases like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions is critical to improving diagnosis and treatment. In an effort to push the field forward, three UCLA researchers, along with scientists from more than 20 countries, have been taking part in one of the largest collaborative efforts in psychiatry — a genome-wide study involving more than 50,000 study participants aimed at identifying which genetic variants make people susceptible to psychiatric disease. (21 Sep 11) |
Vast Gene Study Yields Insights on Alzheimer’sNelson Freimer, professor of psychiatry and director of UCLA’s center for neurobehavioral genetics, was quoted in the April 3 New York Times about an Alzheimer’s study that discovered five genes offering new clues to why the disease strikes and how it progresses. (3 Apr 11) http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/health/04alzheimer.html?_r=1&hpw |
Autism Risk Rises in Closely Spaced Pregnancies, Study FindsRita Cantor, professor of human genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine and professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute, commented Jan. 10 in an MSNBC.com story on new research that suggests that autism risk triples when a child is conceived within 12 months of his or her next older sibling. The report also appeared on ThirdAge.com and the (Taiwanese) Liberty Times. “Autism Risk Rises in Closely Spaced Pregnancies, Study Finds” http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40990120/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/ “Autism Risk: Risk of Autism Rises in Closely Spaced Pregnancies” http://www.thirdage.com/news/autism-risk-risk-autism-rises-closely-space... The Liberty Times (Taiwan) http://iservice.libertytimes.com.tw/liveNews/news.php?no=452119&type=%E5... (10 Jan 11) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40990120/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/ |
Mapping Huntington's DiseaseDr. X. William Yang, associate professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute and a member of the Brain Research Institute, appeared May 10 in an NBC Nightly News segment about his identification of a molecular switch that prevents the development of Huntington’s disease in mice. Scientific correspondent Robert Bazell explored how the UCLA discovery may show similar promise in people suffering from the devastating genetic disorder. The report also aired on four NBC affiliates. (10 May 10) http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/05/10/2299317.aspx |
Age of Parents Linked to Increased Risk of AutismDr. Stan Nelson, professor of human genetics, appeared Feb. 9 as a guest on KPCC 89.3 FM’s “AirTalk” to explore a new study linking parents’ age to a higher risk for autism. (9 Feb 10) http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2010/02/09/age-of-parents-linked-to-increas... |
UCLA scientists find molecular switch to prevent Huntington's disease in miceUCLA scientists have identified a molecular switch that prevents Huntington's disease from developing in mice. Published in the Dec. 24 edition of the journal Neuron, the discovery suggests a new approach to treating the genetic disorder, which ultimately leads to death in as little as 10 years. (24 Dec 09) |
'Molecular Switch' Could Prevent Huntington's DiseaseThe Los Angeles Times’ health blog reported Jan. 1, KPCC 89.3 FM reported Dec. 30, the Daily Breeze, KTLA-Channel 5, KABC-Channel 7, KCAL-Channel 9 reported Dec. 28, and BBC News and HealthDay News reported Dec. 24 on a UCLA study identifying a molecular switch that can prevent Huntington's disease from developing in mice. Lead author Dr. X. (24 Dec 09) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8428051.stm |
Why can't chimps speak? Study links evolution of single gene to human capacity for languageIf humans are genetically related to chimps, why did our brains develop the innate ability for language and speech while theirs did not? Scientists suspect that part of the answer to the mystery lies in a gene called FOXP2. When mutated, FOXP2 can disrupt speech and language in humans. Now, a UCLA–Emory University study reveals major differences between how the human and chimp versions of FOXP2 work, perhaps explaining why language is unique to humans. Published Nov. 11 in the online edition of the journal Nature, the findings provide insight into the evolution of the human brain and may point to possible drug targets for human disorders characterized by speech disruption, such as autism and schizophrenia. (11 Nov 09) |
