A new study of more than 21,000 identical twins has identified genetic variants that influence how individuals respond to life experiences, affecting traits such as anxiety, depression, and autistic characteristics. By analyzing genetic differences in identical twins, researchers discovered that certain genes make people more or less sensitive to environmental exposures.

These findings suggest that the same experience may have drastically different effects depending on a person’s genetic makeup. The study offers insight into gene-environment interactions and how they influence neurodevelopment and psychiatric traits. Check it out: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02193-7

New Amsterdam Pharma’s push to show the cholesterol drug, Obicetrapib, can prevent Alzheimer’s disease passed another test. The phase 3 sub-study tracked significant changes in an Alzheimer’s biomarker, adding to evidence that CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein) inhibition may cut the risk of developing the neurodegenerative disease.

Patients who took Obicetrapib for 12 months had significant reductions in the biomarker p-tau217 compared to their counterparts on placebo. P-tau217 is a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. Elevated levels of p-tau217 in the brain and blood are associated with the accumulation of tau tangles and cognitive decline in individuals with Alzheimer's. Here’s more: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/06/09/3095720/0/en/NewAmsterdam-Pharma-Announces-Positive-Topline-Alzheimer-s-Disease-Data-from-BROADWAY-Clinical-Trial.html

A new study, published in The Lancet Neurology, showed, for the first time, that extending imaging to include the heart within minutes of a patient's arrival to a hospital with an acute stroke significantly improves the ability to determine the stroke's underlying cause. 

According to Cardiologist Dr. Rodrigo Bagur, if CT scans were not extended during the study, some blood clots may not have been found and these strokes would have been classified as having an undetermined cause.  

This new diagnostic approach can now be used to determine an effective and tailored treatment plan for preventing future strokes. Check it out: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(25)00111-5/abstract

Did you know there’s a fungus that lives in Morning Glory flower seeds that can produce psychedelic effects similar to LSD?

As you probably know, In the late 1930s Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann created LSD by modifying ergot alkaloids. He also noticed that Morning Glories seemed to contain similar psychedelic compounds. 

Hoffman theorized that a fungus living inside these plants could be responsible. However, until now, no one could find that fungus. What’s really fascinating is how researchers discovered this elusive fungus. It’s a fascinating story which you can check out here: https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-fungus-in-morning-glory-seeds-produces-lsd-like-compounds/