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Discovery of TRPC5 gene's role in obesity and postnatal depression offers hope for new treatments

Scientists have identified a gene which, when missing or impaired, can cause obesity, behavioral problems and, in mothers, postnatal depression. The discovery, reported today in Cell, may have wider implications for the treatment of postnatal depression, with a study in mice suggesting that oxytocin may alleviate symptoms.

8 Jul 2024

Scientists identify over 5000 high-risk cancer gene variants

Over 5,000 genetic variants that enable certain cancers to thrive have been identified by scientists, along with a potential therapeutic target to treat or even prevent these cancers from developing.

8 Jul 2024

Targeted vitamin D supplementation may lower depression risk for deficient individuals, study finds

Targeted vitamin D supplementation for those with low levels can reduce the risk of depression, but shows no significant impact on chronic pain or other conditions.

7 Jul 2024

More than 1,000 small changes in DNA identified that influence age of first period

Researchers examined nearly 800,000 women's DNA to explore puberty timing complexities. They identified signals related to menarche timing and investigated their influence on puberty onset.

4 Jul 2024

Gene discovery points to oxytocin for depression

While investigating two boys from different families with severe obesity, anxiety, autism, and behavioural problems triggered by sounds or smells, a team led by scientists at the University of Cambridge, UK, and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA, discovered that the boys were missing a single gene, known as TRPC5, which sits on the X chromosome.

3 Jul 2024

No organ is an island: Genetic study shows unique but interconnected aging markers

Researchers analyzed genetic underpinnings of biological age gaps in nine organ systems using a large dataset from the U.K. Biobank, revealing organ-specific yet interconnected genetic architectures. Their findings may aid in understanding complex diseases and developing holistic treatments.

2 Jul 2024

Study finds genetic links between childhood weight gain and early puberty

Genes can indirectly influence the age at which girls have their first period by accelerating weight gain in childhood, a known risk factor for early puberty, a Cambridge-led study has found.

1 Jul 2024

How lifestyle and air pollution patterns affect mortality

Study found that both unhealthy lifestyle choices and higher air pollution levels significantly increase the risk of all-cause mortality, emphasizing the need for coordinated health and environmental interventions.

30 Jun 2024

New study reveals rare genetic variants significantly increase atrial fibrillation risk

Researchers identified rare genetic variants that significantly increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, enhancing AF risk stratification by combining these with polygenic risk scores.

28 Jun 2024

Sleep patterns reveal hidden health clues

Your sleep tracker might give you information about more than just your sleep–specifically, it might give you information about chronic conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnea, and illnesses such as COVID-19.

25 Jun 2024

Novel genetic predisposition to being overweight or obese identified

Researchers performed a case-control study to compare metabolic changes between individuals homozygous for a loss-of-function genetic variation in small integral membrane protein 1 (SMIM1) and the general population.

25 Jun 2024

Study reveals metabolic syndrome's impact on brain volume and cognitive function

Associations between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive and neuroimaging outcomes in dementia-free adults.

24 Jun 2024

Role of SMIM1 gene in obesity uncovered

Scientists have discovered a new cause of why people who lack a specific blood group are genetically predisposed to be overweight or obese.

20 Jun 2024

Study reveals genetic associations between coffee and harmful health outcomes such as obesity and substance use

Scientists have found consistent positive genetic correlations of coffee intake with substance use and obesity in US and UK adults of European ancestry.

20 Jun 2024

Is coffee good or bad? Genetic study investigates health correlations

Coffee drinking is a heritable habit, and one that carries a certain amount of genetic baggage.

18 Jun 2024

Large-scale study presents findings on implications of plant vs animal ultra-processed foods on cardiovascular disease risk

In the present study, researchers investigated cardiovascular disease risk among British individuals based on their dietary intake of food groups of plant or animal origin and food processing categories.

13 Jun 2024

Waist-to-height ratio surpasses conventional metrics in predicting cardiovascular disease risk

Research shows waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) outperforms body fat percentage (BF%) and other central obesity measures in predicting ischemic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

12 Jun 2024

Mount Sinai researchers use AI to identify 17 key genes in heart disease

Using an advanced artificial intelligence tool, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have identified rare coding variants in 17 genes that shed light on the molecular basis of coronary artery disease (CAD), the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

11 Jun 2024

Heavy cannabis use increases the risk of cardiovascular disease for women, study finds

Whether cannabis use is linked to mortality.