Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich, Germany, together with colleagues at the Weizmann Institute of Sciencein Israel have developed a computational method to objectively measure the personality of mice living in a semi-natural, group environment.

Just like humans, every mouse is different. Some are quick to explore a new environment while others prefer to stay within the comfort of their nest. Some prefer to stay close to their cage-mates, while others prefer to be alone. These unique characteristics of an individual remain fairly stable through life and define their personality. In humans, personality can be measured using multiple-choice questionnaires to derive personality scores but how can one measure personality in animals?

Oren Forkosh and Stoyo Karamihalev, together with other colleagues collected huge amounts of data by analyzing video footage taken of groups of mice. To do this, they dyed the fur of each mouse a different color allowing them to track the groups of mice behaving undisturbed. Each video was analyzed for a repertoire of 60 behaviors, such as how close a mouse stays to other mice, if they chase one another or run away, or the time spent in the nest or eating.

Some mice are curious and explore every new hiding place. Others are more anxious and prefer to stay in their nest. Credit: MPI f. Molecular Genetics

The scientists developed a mathematical algorithm that sought stable traits that were able to discriminate individuals based on differences in behavior. This method works somewhat in the same way as personality tests in humans in which people are often assessed on five dimensions, however, it specifically searches for traits that are consistent over time. In mice, the algorithm identified four trait-like dimensions that could capture and describe the behavior of mice. To test that these traits were stable, the researchers mixed up the groups and found that while some of the behaviors had changed, the personalities of the mice were still stable. Using advanced RNA-sequencing tools and genetically modified mouse strains, the researchers were also able to show that individual differences captured in these traits corresponded to a variety of differences in gene expression in the mouse brain and could identify mice with different genetic makeup.

This method has the potential to greatly advance our knowledge beyond what is possible using the current simplified methods for assessing behavior and toward stable and consistent differences in personality. It opens up the possibility to study how personality is affected by genes, drugs, aging, etc., how it is represented and maintained by the brain, and how it contributes to mental health and disease, explains Karamihalev, together with Oren Forkosh one of the first authors of the study published in Nature Neuroscience. This is a good first step in the direction of better pre-clinical methods for assessing individual differences in behavior and physiology, says Alon Chen, the principal investigator for this study. Our hope is that such approaches will aid in the effort toward a more personalized psychiatry.

Reference: Identity domains capture individual differences from across the behavioral repertoire by Oren Forkosh, Stoyo Karamihalev, Simone Roeh, Uri Alon, Sergey Anpilov, Chadi Touma, Markus Nussbaumer, Cornelia Flachskamm, Paul M. Kaplick, Yair Shemesh and Alon Chen, 4 November 2019, Nature Neuroscience.DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0516-y

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Scientists Measure Mouse Personality and Map Traits to Their Genetics - SciTechDaily

Cant stand the taste of vegetables? Your genes may be to blame.

Preliminary newresearchpresented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions shows that a specific gene makes certain foods especially, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts taste extremely bitter to some people.

The gene in question is calledTAS2R38. Everyone inherits two copies of this taste gene, but which variant of the gene you get makes all of the difference. According to the AHA: People who inherit two copies of the variant called AVI arent sensitive to bitter tastes from certain chemicals. Those with one copy of AVI and another called PAV perceive bitter tastes of these chemicals; however, individuals with two copies of PAV, often called super-tasters, find the same foods exceptionally bitter.

In the study, researchers analyzed questionnaires from 175 men and women about how often they ate certain foods and found that those with the PAV form of the gene who are more sensitive to bitter tasting foods were more than two and a half times as likely to eat the least amount of vegetables.

For super-tasters, the bitterness they taste in vegetables goes beyond being mildly annoying. A super-taster is a person who experiences a bitter taste with a much greater intensity than others,Tina Sindher, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Stanford Health Care, tells Yahoo Lifestyle, noting that super-tasters have many more visible taste papillae (bumps on the tongues surface) with more taste receptor cells compared to others.

Or as the lead author of the study,Jennifer L. Smith, PhD, RN, put it to theAHA: Were talking a ruin-your-day level of bitter when they tasted the test compound.

Super-tasters have the hardest time eating brassica vegetables broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnips, collards, kale, bok choy along with spinach, coffee, and tart citrus flavors. Studies show that bitter tasters eat fewer soy products and drink less green tea, and rated these foods to be more bitter than non-tasters, says Sindher.

That bitterness is getting in the way of super-tasters eating their vegetables, which may mean losing out on some health benefits. An overall healthy diet thats rich in vegetables and fruits may reduce the risk ofheart disease, including heart attack andstroke, according to theU.S. Department of Agriculture. Vegetables are also a good source ofdietary fiber, which helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease.

And in case you were wondering, just because you hate cilantro doesnt mean youre a super-taster. Disgust with that particular herb, which some find smells like soap, is a combination of two genetic variants (one of which is tied to sensing odors), according toNature. Cilantros aroma is created by several substances, which include fragments of fat molecules called aldehydes the same (or similar) aldehydes youll find in soap and lotions, according to aNew York Timesreport.

Super-tasters are individuals who are sensitive to specific bitter compounds, none of which are found in cilantro, explains Sindher. In fact, an aversion to cilantro occurs due to genetic variants associated with sensing smells and sensitivity to the aldehyde chemicals that give cilantro its distinctive flavor.

But for true super-tasters, how can they make sure to eat their vegetables? Unfortunately, theres no obvious way to disguise the bitter taste, explains Sindher. However, some strategies may be to sprinkle some sweetness to help mask bitter flavors, she says. Spices can help enhance flavor. Adding a little fat can also decrease bitterness.

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Genetics may be the reason why you hate vegetables, study shows - Yahoo Food

Mississippi has produced some giant bucks and even a world record. Here are the top six deer on record in Mississippi by category. Brian Broom

Studies show genetics can't be controlled in wild deer populations

It's a common debate on social media.

A hunter gets a photo on a game camera that shows a deer with a spike on one side and a normal antler on the other and asks if the deer should be removed.

Many will say the buck needs to be taken to prevent the continuation of its genesinto future generations, but biologists say that's probably not the correct answer.

Many hunters feel a buck with a spike on one side should be removed from the herd to improve genetics, but biologists say that's not the case.(Photo: Special to Clarion Ledger)

"That's almost always related to some kind of injury," said Kip Adams, Quality Deer Management Association director of conservation. "It's usually not genetic.

"Most of those are injury-related. Deer just aren't genetically built to have crazy antlers like that. Most of the time, if the animal is allowed to live, he'll drop those antlers and you won't see it in future years."

However, there are times when a malformed antler caused by injury will return after antlers are shed.

"It could," Adams said. "It could be an injury to the base. If the injury is right at the base of the antler, it could recur in future years."

Adams said a serious injury to the body can also cause a recurring abnormal antler.

"Again, none of that is genetic-related," Adams said. "So, it's not passed on.

"If you remove them you're not doing anything to change the genetics of the deer herd. The only gain you're making is providing more food for the rest of the herd by removing them."

One of the causes of pedicle, or antler base damage, that seems to be more common is what has been called "dirty sheds."

Gabriel Karns, who is currently avisiting assistant professor in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at Ohio State University, wrote an article published by QDMA about his work examining skulls of bucks with spikes on one side.

"Most commonly, it appeared that antlers had failed to cleanly separate from the pedicles, as in normally shed antlers,and that the antler base had fractured off portions of the pedicle and sometimes even the surrounding cranium those dirtysheds I mentioned earlier," Karns wrote."Although the antlerogenic periosteum tries to heal itself in advance of the next antler growing season, the integrity of the pedicle is compromised and becomes a messy combination of intact pedicle and callus tissue.

"Picture how water flows out of the end of a garden hose, then picture what happens when you partially block the nozzle with your thumb. The blood supply and nutrient flow necessary for normal antler development is impeded leading to stunted growth and irregular antler configurations due to the animals prior injury. Complicating the issue once initial damage occurs, subsequent antler cycles tend to re-aggravate the injury, resulting in repetitive abnormal antlers."

So, a spike on one side or otherwise deformed antler is likely caused by injury, but what if it isn't? What if it really is a genetic trait? Shouldn't the buck be harvested to prevent passing along that genetic trait? You can remove him, but you're not doing anything other than putting meat in the freezer.

"It's been shown over and over that you can't alter genetics in the wild," Adams said. "A buck with big antlers can sire a buck with small antlers and vice-versa. Those antler traits aren't 100 percent inheritable."

Adams' statement is backed by a study in Texas. Wild bucks were captured andmicrochipped. Samples of DNA were taken from them and they were released. Family trees of bucks were developed through DNA samples taken over a number of years. What the researchers discovered isin the wild there is no correlation between a buck's antler size and that of its offspring.

"Don't think you're making an improvement in the deer herd from a genetic standpoint," Adams said. "Hunters don't need to concern themselves or worry about it."

Deer hunting: 'It just made a good day that much better.' Father and son double down on big bucks

Win big money: You can win a share of $1,500 in the Big Bucks Photo Contest sponsored by Van's

Please, shoot them: 12 bucks on MSU Deer Lab's most wanted list. Here's why.

ContactBrian Broomat 601-961-7225 orbbroom@gannett.com. FollowClarion LedgerOutdoors on Facebookand @BrianBroom onTwitter.

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Should this deer be culled? The answer may not be what you think. - Clarion Ledger

HURRICANE What would life be like if you knew you would get cancer one day, but could prevent it beforehand? Clinicians in Utah are hoping to accomplish just that through a new study.

One St. George man said he's participating for the health of his posterity.

Durward Wadsworth, 76, grew up on a farm in Southern Utah. He worked alongside his family tending to the fruits trees, horses, and other animals.

"We had to milk cows and bring hay in," he said.

The farm has remained, but things have changed.

"I have a brother that passed away. I have a sister that passed away, Wadsworth said.

They both died from cancer. Wadsworth was also diagnosed with colon cancer and finished chemo only a year ago.

It's not a fun treatment, he said. He went to the Dixie Regional Cancer Center for 12 rounds of chemo.

As a teenager Wadsworth was exposed to radiation during nuclear testing at the Nevada National Security Site.

"As kids, we didn't know any different, so we would go up on the hill and watch when one would explode and you could actually see the mushroom and hear the boom, he said.

Both his family history of cancer and heart disease, and his exposure to radiation, had him concerned.

His son encouraged him to participate in Intermountain Healthcare's HerediGene population study. Clinicians hope this study, in collaboration with deCODE Genetics of Iceland, will help them better understand the human genome.

Dr. Lincoln Nadauld, Chief of Precision Health at Intermountain Healthcare, said the study is unprecedented. He said it looks at the link between genes and human disease.

"This study is the largest of its kind. It's an attempt to map the genomes of 500,000 people over the next five years, Nadauld said. There is no genetic study in health care that has ever been reported or ever attempted that compares in size or scope.

Nadauld said this study will impact generations to come.

(It) will allow us and subsequent generations to better understand health and the origins of disease and health care-related issues, he said. It's going to change the way that we deliver health care for the better.

Nadauld hopes the study will help doctors better predict and prevent disease before someone is ill.

So let's intervene with either a medicine or a lifestyle change so that you never have to experience heart failure or heart attack or a stroke, he explained.

While this type of precision genomics started in oncology, Nadauld said his team has applied it to all of their medical disciplines, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic issues and even mental illness.

This study could uncover the link between mental illness and genes, and could identify new treatments for mental illness, he said.

Even though Wadsworth still has a lot of life to live, he knows he probably won't personally benefit from the study by the time its completed. "But, you know, my posterity will benefit, he said.

That's enough motivation for him. Wadsworth said he doesn't want his five children and 18 grandchildren to suffer through cancer like he did.

"We want the best health care for them, he said. He also hopes they'll carry on the family farm.

Nadauld said the study isn't just for people who have been sick, but will include mostly healthy individuals.

He said it just takes a simple blood draw to participate. Nadauld said by the end of the year there will be 25 different walk-in clinics across the entire state.

Nadauld said he anticipates a very small percentage of the participants will be informed of a health issue, in which doctors and patients need to take action.

We expect that will happen in about 3% of our participants, he said.

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A new study hopes to prevent disease before it starts through genetics - KSL.com

--Study announced in conjunction with American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions--

--Researchers also presenting data on limitations of highly targeted screening strategies in familial hypercholesterolemia--

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --Invitae Corporation (NVTA), a leading medical genetics company, today announced Invitae Discover, a clinical research platform that leverages biometric data available through Apple Watch to provide better understanding of the genetic causes of disease. The first study on the platform will evaluate genetics in cardiovascular disease and was announced in conjunction with the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions where researchers are presenting data on genetic screening in familial hypercholesterolemia.

Invitae's (NVTA) mission is to bring comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medical practice to improve the quality of healthcare for billions of people. http://www.invitae.com (PRNewsFoto/Invitae Corporation)

"The creation of the Invitae Discover platform will make it easier to conduct studies that assess genetic test results alongside the biometric data that is now easily available on Apple Watch, thereby joining basic electrophysiological data with genetic information in order to advance our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of disease and help improve clinical care," said Robert Nussbaum, M.D., chief medical officer of Invitae. "Our first study on the platform is designed to determine the contribution of certain genetic variants to clinical presentations of atrial fibrillation and other cardiovascular conditions associated with abnormal heart rhythms, as well as to improve the interpretation of genetic testing results."

The first study on Invitae Discover is the Afib CAUSE Study. Patients who have genetic testing through Invitae can enroll in the study via the Invitae Discover app. The study will combine health and activity data from Apple HealthKit with clinical genetic testing results. In addition to assessing known genetic variants, the study will specifically evaluate biometric data for patients whose genetic testing included variants of uncertain significance (VUS) to help build preliminary data that improves variant classification and, ultimately, provide evidence to support resolution. The Invitae Discover app is available on the Apple app store. The Afib CAUSE study is open to U.S. residents 18 years of age and older and enrollment criteria can be accessed through the Invitae Discover app.

The study will be conducted under the supervision of an Institutional Review Board (IRB). As a medical genetics company, Invitae is subject to and fully complies with the privacy and security requirements under HIPAA for all its patients.

Separately at the AHA Scientific Sessions, Invitae researchers will be participating in a moderated poster session at the AHA meeting to discuss research quantifying the low diagnostic yield of highly targeted, direct-to-consumer genetic screening strategies in familial hypercholesterolemia. The study will be presented on November 17th during the Cardiovascular Genomic Medicine session at 2:20pm.

About InvitaeInvitae Corporation (NVTA) is a leading medical genetics company, whose mission is to bring comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medicine to improve healthcare for billions of people. Invitae's goal is to aggregate the world's genetic tests into a single service with higher quality, faster turnaround time, and lower prices. For more information, visit the company's website atinvitae.com.

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Safe Harbor StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the attributes and potential benefits of the company's clinical research platform; and the design and potential benefits of the company's first study on the platform. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the company's history of losses; the company's ability to compete; the company's failure to manage growth effectively; the company's need to scale its infrastructure in advance of demand for its tests and to increase demand for its tests; the company's ability to use rapidly changing genetic data to interpret test results accurately and consistently; security breaches, loss of data and other disruptions; laws and regulations applicable to the company's business; and the other risks set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Invitae Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Contact:Laura D'Angelo pr@invitae.com (628) 213-3283

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Invitae Launches Invitae Discover Research Platform on Apple Watch; First Study on Platform Will Investigate Genetic Causes of Cardiovascular Disease...