Associated Press reporter Seth Borenstein writes that researchers have discovered more than 100 spots in our DNA tied to schizophrenia. "It's a genetic revelation; schizophrenia has been a mystery," says study co-author Steve McCarroll, director of genetics for the Broad Institute.
Writing for The New Yorker, Professor Seth Mnookin examines the struggles facing a young couple whose firstborn child was the only known patient with a specific genetic disorder. Mnookin explores how the parents were able to spur research into their son’s disorder by locating other patients with the disease.
Scientists have uncovered more than 100 genes involved in learning, memory, brain signaling and the immune system that are related to schizophrenia, reports Angel Zimm for Bloomberg News. “I’m hopeful these genetic results can point to a new understanding of the root cause of schizophrenia, and why all the symptoms emerge,” explains Steve McCarroll of the Broad Institute.
In a piece for National Geographic, Ed Yong writes about how a team of scientists from MIT has found a corresponding rhythm of behavior amongst marine bacteria. “The study reveals the power of sophisticated sampling devices for studying ocean features that were heretofore inaccessible,” says MIT Prof. Penny Chisholm.
Lauren Hitchings of New Scientist reports on findings showing that marine microbes exhibit daily patterns of behavior. “The researchers think this might be a result of the low nutrient levels in the open ocean, and the need for organisms to rely on one another for metabolic functions,” writes Hitchings.
Nathalia Holt writes for Popular Science about Professor Feng Zhang’s work with gene-editing systems, in particular TALENs and CRISPR, and how these new techniques could be used to help tackle deadly diseases.
“Three scientific papers about the Y chromosome, which determines maleness in humans and most other mammals, should lay to rest the myth that it may disappear after a few more million years of evolution,” Financial Times reporter Clive Cookson writes of MIT research on the Y chromosome.
Scientific American reports on Professor Susan Lindquist’s research into how the protein HSP90, which binds to other proteins to keep them properly folded, can play into genetic variability during times of stress.
The PBS NewsHour's Rebecca Jacobson reports on Professor Dennis Kim's work studying how worms defend themselves against bacteria. Through this work, Kim believes he can gain a better understanding of the human immune system.