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Individuals Genetically At Risk Of Developing Psychological Disorders Also Benefit The Most From Positive Environments
Certain individuals have long been regarded as particularly susceptible to developing behavioural and emotional problems when they experience negative environmental conditions, due to the fact that they carry so-called "vulnerability genes". Existing research suggests, for instance, that such "genetically vulnerable" individuals are most likely to become impulsive and hyperactive if their mothers smoked while pregnant, to behave anti-socially if subjected to child abuse, and to become depressed if exposed to many negative life events (e.g., divorce, unemployment). But a new evaluation of existing gene-by-environment interaction (GXE) research highlighting such genetic vulnerability to adversity challenges this traditional interpretation of existing evidence. Research published in Molecular Psychiatry suggests that those carrying "vulnerability genes" are not only more likely than others to be adversely affected by negative experiences but to also benefit more than others from positive environments, making them more malleable or plastic, not just vulnerable. This novel interpretation of old and new findings suggests that "vulnerability genes" might be better conceptualised as "plasticity or malleability genes" because carriers are more affected, for better and for worse, by positive and negative environmental conditions.
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Marking Anorexia With A Brain Protein
Eating disorders are frequently seen as psychological or societal diseases, but do they have an underlying biological cause? A new study shows that the levels of a brain protein differ between healthy and anorexic women.
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Environmental Cues Control Reproductive Timing And Longevity, University Of Minnesota Study Shows
When humans and animals delay reproduction because food or other res are scarce, they may live longer to increase the impact of reproduction, according to a new study by University of Minnesota researchers published in the June 25 issue of PLoS (Public Library of Science) One.
Oncology

FBI Should Probe Whether 'Systemic Problems' Led To 'Gaps' In Tiller Murder Case, NYT Editorial States

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Congress "should review the killing" of Kansas abortion provider George Tiller "to determine whether there are systemic problems that led to apparent gaps in the FBI"s performance in the case," a New York Times editorial states. According to the Times, Holder "took the prudent step of ordering" the U.S. Marshals Service to "provide security for certain abortion clinics and physicians thought to be at heightened risk," but the government"s response "must not end there."The editorial states that Scott Roeder, the man accused of killing Tiller, has a history of activity related to the antiabortion-rights movement that "should have sparked greater concern" with the FBI, including being suspected in 2000 of "repeatedly gluing shut the doors of an abortion clinic in Kansas City, Kan. -- a federal crime under the 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances law." Roeder also was found in possession of "gunpowder and a fuse" when stopped for a traffic violation in 1996, according to the Times. The editorial states, "In the past, Tiller was shot in both arms, and his clinic was bombed and vandalized," but "it seems as if the federal authorities failed to increase security for Dr. Tiller and his offices."The editorial continues, "An armed criminal bent on murder is hard to stop, and we do not blame the FBI for Dr. Tiller"s death." However, "reproductive rights advocates say enforcement of the clinic protection law waned in the Bush years," the editorial says, concluding that Holder "should make sure there is no underlying problem that inhibits efforts to combat intimidation and violence against the dwindling number of legal abortion providers -- and women they help" (New York Times, 6/8). Reprinted with kind permission from http://www.nationalpartnership.org. You can view the entire Daily Women"s Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women"s Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company. © 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.


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