Neuroscience

Epigenetics study helps focus search for autism risk factors

By Judith Van Dongen, WSU Spokane Office of Research SPOKANE, Wash. – Scientists have long tried to pin down the causes of autism spectrum disorder. Recent studies have expanded the search for genetic links from identifying genes toward epigenetics, the study of factors that control gene expression and looks at chemical modifications of DNA and […]

Toxic effects of mercury persists for generations

PULLMAN, Wash. – Zebrafish exposed to very low levels of methylmercury as embryos not only passed on toxic effects of the chemical exposure to their offspring, but also to the third generation, according to a study that investigated both epigenetic changes – chemical modifications to the DNA – and abnormal neuro-behavior associated with exposure.

$1.7M to counteract poor decision-making due to sleep loss

By Judith Van Dongen, WSU Spokane SPOKANE, Wash. – Researchers from Washington State University’s Sleep and Performance Research Center received a $1.7 million grant to develop and test cognitive flexibility training to combat the effects of sleep loss on decision-making under rapidly changing circumstances.

WSU searches for brain drugs to fight ALS, Alzheimer’s, more

By Lori Maricle, College of Pharmacy SPOKANE, Wash. – Repairing the brain’s “house-cleaning function,” which could help people with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 100 other diseases, is the focus of recently funded research at Washington State University.