http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brie.../03/25452/
EXCERPT: . . . The scientists analyzed genetic variations in more than 487,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a long-term study in the United Kingdom exploring the effects of genes and the environment on disease. These volunteers answered questionnaires regarding their perceived loneliness, the frequency of their social activities, and the quality of their interactions with others, such as how often they were able to confide in someone close to them.
The team discovered 15 genetic variations were associated with susceptibility to loneliness. Some variants were active in brain regions that control emotions, while others played a role in metabolism. “This is the first study to identify some of the genetic variants associated with loneliness,” Perry said.
The researchers did find that increased weight — that is, a higher body-mass index (BMI) — likely made people more susceptible to loneliness and depression....
MORE: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brie.../03/25452/
EXCERPT: . . . The scientists analyzed genetic variations in more than 487,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a long-term study in the United Kingdom exploring the effects of genes and the environment on disease. These volunteers answered questionnaires regarding their perceived loneliness, the frequency of their social activities, and the quality of their interactions with others, such as how often they were able to confide in someone close to them.
The team discovered 15 genetic variations were associated with susceptibility to loneliness. Some variants were active in brain regions that control emotions, while others played a role in metabolism. “This is the first study to identify some of the genetic variants associated with loneliness,” Perry said.
The researchers did find that increased weight — that is, a higher body-mass index (BMI) — likely made people more susceptible to loneliness and depression....
MORE: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brie.../03/25452/