We conducted a genome-wide association study on income among individuals of European descent (N = 668,288) to investigate the relationship between socio-economic status and health disparities. We identified 162 genomic loci associated with a common genetic factor underlying various income measures, all with small effect sizes (the Income Factor). Our polygenic index captures 1-5% of income variance, with only one fourth due to direct genetic effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn response to sensory deprivation, the brain adapts to efficiently navigate a modified perceptual environment through a process referred to as compensatory crossmodal plasticity, allowing the remaining senses to repurpose deprived regions and networks. A mechanism that has been proposed to contribute to this plasticity involves adaptations within subcortical nuclei that trigger cascading effects throughout the brain. The current study uses 7T MRI to investigate the effect of perinatal deafness on the volumes of subcortical structures in felines, focusing on key sensory nuclei within the brainstem and thalamus.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe problem of ageism in the family can be understood through the lens of larger social structural factors that shape intrapersonal and interpersonal relations in families. While research on the negative consequences of ageism is well established in the workplace, media, and in healthcare systems, ageism within the family has not yet been well studied. We propose a tripartite model of ageism, specifically how cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of family members, in combination with internalized age beliefs held by older people, undermine family dynamics and may worsen the health and wellbeing of older adults.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBipolar disorder is a leading contributor to the global burden of disease. Despite high heritability (60-80%), the majority of the underlying genetic determinants remain unknown. We analysed data from participants of European, East Asian, African American and Latino ancestries (n = 158,036 cases with bipolar disorder, 2.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground And Aims: Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) serves a dual function as a vitamin D carrier and actin scavenger. Free DBP is present in high concentrations in serum, while a smaller pool is bound to lipoproteins like HDL and VLDL. The role of DBP's interaction with lipoproteins remains unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF