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Genetic Resilience

All articles tagged with #genetic resilience

Feral Cats Removed from Japanese Islands Lead to Unexpected Outcome
environment8 months ago

Feral Cats Removed from Japanese Islands Lead to Unexpected Outcome

The red-headed wood pigeon, critically endangered on Japan’s Ogasawara Islands, has experienced a remarkable recovery after feral cats were removed, with its population rebounding rapidly. Genetic analysis revealed that this species has a lower load of harmful mutations due to long-term genetic purging, which contributed to its resilience despite a small population size. This case challenges the common belief that inbreeding always hampers recovery, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in conservation success.

"Uncovering the Genetic Vulnerability Behind the Pandemic-Era Depression Surge"
mental-health2 years ago

"Uncovering the Genetic Vulnerability Behind the Pandemic-Era Depression Surge"

The pandemic has led to a doubling of clinical depression rates among first-year college students, affecting one-third of the cohort, even those with genetic resilience factors. Young women were particularly impacted. Researchers developed an Affect Score tool that combines mental health questionnaires and genetic risk prediction to predict depression risk and offer targeted support strategies. The study highlights the importance of understanding the long-term mental health implications of the pandemic on young adults.