Genetics and Health

April 10th, 2007

DNA Testing Starts a Nightmare

Isaac Owusu had no idea what was in store when he decided to take a DNA test to bring his four sons to the US from Ghana. As I wrote last summer, immigrants are increasingly being asked by the US government to prove their family relationships using DNA. But Isaac, a new US citizen, had […]

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 2 comments

October 10th, 2006

Serotonin Transporter Gene, Family Environment, and Depression

UCLA researchers have found that the short form of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) increases a person’s risk of depression but its influence is modulated by family environment.

Among children from supportive, nurturing families, those with the short form of the serotonin transporter gene (known as 5-HTTLPR) had a significantly reduced risk for depression
Among children from […]

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 1 comment