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Health

Roots of five medical conditions shown in map of the developing brain

Studying donated embryonic and fetal brains has shown some of the genetic pathways involved in certain conditions, such as schizophrenia

By Carissa Wong

8 April 2023

A scanning electron micrograph of neurons in the corpus striatum part of a foetal brain

A scanning electron micrograph of neurons in the corpus striatum part of a foetal brain

STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

The most detailed genetic map of the developing brain to date reveals networks that may influence our risk of developing five conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. With further research, this could help scientists develop interventions that target these genetic pathways.

Various research groups have previously studied a relatively small number of brain samples to investigate how gene activity in the embryonic or fetal brain may influence a person’s later risk of certain conditions.

Now,  …

Article amended on 12 April 2023

This article has been changed to correct the university where Wen and her colleagues carried out the study.

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