NIHR Maudsley BRC Blog

Our latest news and events

NIHR Maudsley BRC: A Year in Review 2024

2024 has been a year of remarkable discoveries and innovative advancements in mental health research, showcasing the expertise of NIHR Maudsley BRC researchers.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 13 Dec 2024

Ancient viral DNA in the human genome linked to multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

New research has revealed a connection between ancient viral DNA embedded in the human genome and the genetic risk for two major diseases that affect the central nervous system.

 

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 23 Oct 2024

New software to help predict individuals' genetic risk of health conditions

The new GenoPred pipeline enables researchers to easily calculate an individual’s likelihood of different health-related outcomes, such as disease and disorders or response to treatment, based on their genetics.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 3 Jun 2024

Depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder linked with ancient viral DNA in our genome – new research

Around 8% of human DNA is made up of genetic sequences acquired from ancient viruses. These sequences, known as human endogenous retroviruses (or Hervs), date back hundreds of thousands to millions of years – with some even predating the emergence of Homo sapiens.

This article is written by Rodrigo Duarte, Research Fellow, King's College LondonDouglas Nixon, Professor of Immunology in Medicine, Cornell University, and Timothy Powell, Senior lecturer, King's College London. It is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 28 May 2024

Ancient viral DNA in the human genome linked to major psychiatric disorders

New research led by King’s College London has found that thousands of DNA sequences originating from ancient viral infections are expressed in the brain, with some contributing to susceptibility for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 22 May 2024