Unveiling the Genetic Blueprint of Brain Size, Shape, and Disorders

Scientists have identified over 4,000 gene variants that are linked to brain structure, shedding light on how our genetic makeup influences brain development. The findings have the potential to improve treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions. The study revealed that different sets of genes contribute to the folding and size of the cortex, the outer layer of the brain associated with higher-level functions and various disorders. The research also found that genes linked to brain size in the general population overlapped with those connected to cephalic conditions. However, there is still much to learn about how these genes lead to changes in brain size.