Importance of Both Genetics and Environment on Gene Activity Studied
New research conducted by scientists has highlighted the extent to which epigenetic variation is influenced by both inherited and environmental factors.
New research conducted by scientists has highlighted the extent to which epigenetic variation is influenced by both inherited and environmental factors.
‘Environmentally-induced genetic changes can have a greater impact on intelligence than what was previously thought.’
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This study was led by Dr. Jakob Kaminski and Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinz of Charité's Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy on Campus Charité Mitte. The international team of researchers compared the IQ test results of close to 1,500 adolescents with epigenetic modifications. The study focused on testing genes that are important in dopamine-based signal transmission (dopamine neurotransmission). Dopamine plays an important role in the brain's reward system and is crucial in modulating a person's drive and motivation. The researchers were able to demonstrate a link between the epigenetic regulation of dopamine neurotransmission and an individual's IQ test performance. Epigenetic modification resulted in the dopamine receptor gene being silenced: neurons carried fewer dopamine receptors, and signal transmission was reduced. In this current study, silencing of the gene was associated with lower IQ test results.
Commenting on the results of the study, Dr. Kaminski explains: "We have previously been able to observe links between stress and cognitive performance, particularly in relation to the activity of the dopamine-controlled reward system. Environmentally-induced gene activity now joins the ranks of other factors known to influence IQ test performance, such as poverty and genetic constitution. In this study, we were able to observe how individual differences in IQ test results are linked to both epigenetic changes and differences in brain activity which are underly environmental influences." The researchers are hoping to conduct more in-depth studies to determine the extent of environmentally-induced neurobiological modifications, as well as the degree to which these modifications affect IQ test performance.
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Rural and coastal natural environments could be more beneficial psychologically when compared to urban green spaces
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Music Can Improve Speech Perception in Noisy Environment
Therapy with music can enhance speech perception, the process by which the sounds of language are heard, interpreted and understood.
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