Jan Dyer

“No one is excused from prediabetes.” That is why the CDC, the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) are launching the first national public service advertising campaign about prediabetes.

More than 1 in 3 Americans has blood glucose levels high enough to qualify for prediabetes, but an estimated 90% don’t know it. Current trends suggest that if untreated, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years. However, the CDC suggests weight loss, diet changes, and increased physical activity can help cut risk by 58%.

Public service announcements in English and Spanish encourage people to take a short test at www.DoIHavePrediabetes.org or in real time through interactive, “first of its kind,” TV and radio PSAs. People can also take the test and receive support and lifestyle tips via text messages. The ADA, AMA, and CDC are also working through local offices, affiliates, and partners to promote the campaign, with resources for health care providers to aid in screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

“No one is excused from prediabetes.” That is why the CDC, the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) are launching the first national public service advertising campaign about prediabetes.

More than 1 in 3 Americans has blood glucose levels high enough to qualify for prediabetes, but an estimated 90% don’t know it. Current trends suggest that if untreated, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years. However, the CDC suggests weight loss, diet changes, and increased physical activity can help cut risk by 58%.

Public service announcements in English and Spanish encourage people to take a short test at www.DoIHavePrediabetes.org or in real time through interactive, “first of its kind,” TV and radio PSAs. People can also take the test and receive support and lifestyle tips via text messages. The ADA, AMA, and CDC are also working through local offices, affiliates, and partners to promote the campaign, with resources for health care providers to aid in screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

“No one is excused from prediabetes.” That is why the CDC, the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) are launching the first national public service advertising campaign about prediabetes.

More than 1 in 3 Americans has blood glucose levels high enough to qualify for prediabetes, but an estimated 90% don’t know it. Current trends suggest that if untreated, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years. However, the CDC suggests weight loss, diet changes, and increased physical activity can help cut risk by 58%.

Public service announcements in English and Spanish encourage people to take a short test at www.DoIHavePrediabetes.org or in real time through interactive, “first of its kind,” TV and radio PSAs. People can also take the test and receive support and lifestyle tips via text messages. The ADA, AMA, and CDC are also working through local offices, affiliates, and partners to promote the campaign, with resources for health care providers to aid in screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

According to the DoD’s 2014 Suicide Event Report, 20 active-duty members per 100,000 committed suicide in 2014, along with 22 reserve and 19 U.S. National Guard members.

The suicides include 269 deaths among active-duty members, compared with 259 deaths by suicide in 2013. There were 169 deaths by suicide among the selected reserve members, compared with 220 deaths in 2013.

The 2014 suicide rates for reserve members and active-duty members of the 4 services were largely similar to those of 2013 with 2 notable exceptions: reductions in the rate for the National Guard, Air Force and Army combined, and reductions in the rate for the Army National Guard.

As of March 31, 2015, the report also documents 1,067 service members with 1 reported suicide attempt and 29 service members with 2 or more reported attempts. Five suicides were associated with 1 or more suicide attempt in 2013 or 2014. The median number of days between the most recent suicide attempt and the reported suicide was 108. The largest demographic differences between suicide and suicide attempt were in the prevalence of females (27% for suicide attempts vs 6% for suicides) and rank status (69% E1-E4 for suicide attempts vs 43% for suicides).

Most often, the suicide was committed by a white man, aged < 30 years, a high school graduate, enlisted, and married. The most frequently cited psychosocial stressors were failed relationships and administrative/legal issues.

According to the DoD’s 2014 Suicide Event Report, 20 active-duty members per 100,000 committed suicide in 2014, along with 22 reserve and 19 U.S. National Guard members.

The suicides include 269 deaths among active-duty members, compared with 259 deaths by suicide in 2013. There were 169 deaths by suicide among the selected reserve members, compared with 220 deaths in 2013.

The 2014 suicide rates for reserve members and active-duty members of the 4 services were largely similar to those of 2013 with 2 notable exceptions: reductions in the rate for the National Guard, Air Force and Army combined, and reductions in the rate for the Army National Guard.

As of March 31, 2015, the report also documents 1,067 service members with 1 reported suicide attempt and 29 service members with 2 or more reported attempts. Five suicides were associated with 1 or more suicide attempt in 2013 or 2014. The median number of days between the most recent suicide attempt and the reported suicide was 108. The largest demographic differences between suicide and suicide attempt were in the prevalence of females (27% for suicide attempts vs 6% for suicides) and rank status (69% E1-E4 for suicide attempts vs 43% for suicides).

Most often, the suicide was committed by a white man, aged < 30 years, a high school graduate, enlisted, and married. The most frequently cited psychosocial stressors were failed relationships and administrative/legal issues.

According to the DoD’s 2014 Suicide Event Report, 20 active-duty members per 100,000 committed suicide in 2014, along with 22 reserve and 19 U.S. National Guard members.

The suicides include 269 deaths among active-duty members, compared with 259 deaths by suicide in 2013. There were 169 deaths by suicide among the selected reserve members, compared with 220 deaths in 2013.

The 2014 suicide rates for reserve members and active-duty members of the 4 services were largely similar to those of 2013 with 2 notable exceptions: reductions in the rate for the National Guard, Air Force and Army combined, and reductions in the rate for the Army National Guard.

As of March 31, 2015, the report also documents 1,067 service members with 1 reported suicide attempt and 29 service members with 2 or more reported attempts. Five suicides were associated with 1 or more suicide attempt in 2013 or 2014. The median number of days between the most recent suicide attempt and the reported suicide was 108. The largest demographic differences between suicide and suicide attempt were in the prevalence of females (27% for suicide attempts vs 6% for suicides) and rank status (69% E1-E4 for suicide attempts vs 43% for suicides).

Most often, the suicide was committed by a white man, aged < 30 years, a high school graduate, enlisted, and married. The most frequently cited psychosocial stressors were failed relationships and administrative/legal issues.

Since 2005, 1 million veterans have been screened for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the VA’s Polytrauma System of Care (PSC).

The 1 million milestone “reflects [the] VA’s success in building an integrated polytrauma care program,” says VA Under Secretary for Health David Shulkin, MD. The PSC was created to address the need for a multidisciplinary system of care for veterans who have 2 or more disabling physical, cognitive, functional, or psychological impairments.

The VA has 110 polytrauma rehabilitation sites that offer comprehensive inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Services include interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment, development of a comprehensive plan of care, case management, patient and family education, psychosocial support, and use of advanced rehabilitation treatments and prosthetic technologies. 

Another tool that supports clinical TBI care is the mobile phone application, Concussion Coach. The app provides a self-assessment tool for measuring symptoms, including feedback and a symptom tracker; relaxation exercises and other coping tips; and immediate access to crisis resources, personal support contacts, or professional health care resources.

All veterans are screened for possible TBI with a 4-question test. Those with a positive screen are referred to a TBI specialist for a Comprehensive TBI Evaluation, but specialists are often located at VA medical centers that not all veterans can easily reach. Therefore, the Office of Health Care Transformation funded a project to develop a standardized Comprehensive TBI Evaluation protocol delivered via telehealth technology. In 2013, a pilot project began at 16 sites; more than 40 sites have since been trained.

Since 2005, 1 million veterans have been screened for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the VA’s Polytrauma System of Care (PSC).

The 1 million milestone “reflects [the] VA’s success in building an integrated polytrauma care program,” says VA Under Secretary for Health David Shulkin, MD. The PSC was created to address the need for a multidisciplinary system of care for veterans who have 2 or more disabling physical, cognitive, functional, or psychological impairments.

The VA has 110 polytrauma rehabilitation sites that offer comprehensive inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Services include interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment, development of a comprehensive plan of care, case management, patient and family education, psychosocial support, and use of advanced rehabilitation treatments and prosthetic technologies. 

Another tool that supports clinical TBI care is the mobile phone application, Concussion Coach. The app provides a self-assessment tool for measuring symptoms, including feedback and a symptom tracker; relaxation exercises and other coping tips; and immediate access to crisis resources, personal support contacts, or professional health care resources.

All veterans are screened for possible TBI with a 4-question test. Those with a positive screen are referred to a TBI specialist for a Comprehensive TBI Evaluation, but specialists are often located at VA medical centers that not all veterans can easily reach. Therefore, the Office of Health Care Transformation funded a project to develop a standardized Comprehensive TBI Evaluation protocol delivered via telehealth technology. In 2013, a pilot project began at 16 sites; more than 40 sites have since been trained.

Since 2005, 1 million veterans have been screened for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the VA’s Polytrauma System of Care (PSC).

The 1 million milestone “reflects [the] VA’s success in building an integrated polytrauma care program,” says VA Under Secretary for Health David Shulkin, MD. The PSC was created to address the need for a multidisciplinary system of care for veterans who have 2 or more disabling physical, cognitive, functional, or psychological impairments.

The VA has 110 polytrauma rehabilitation sites that offer comprehensive inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Services include interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment, development of a comprehensive plan of care, case management, patient and family education, psychosocial support, and use of advanced rehabilitation treatments and prosthetic technologies. 

Another tool that supports clinical TBI care is the mobile phone application, Concussion Coach. The app provides a self-assessment tool for measuring symptoms, including feedback and a symptom tracker; relaxation exercises and other coping tips; and immediate access to crisis resources, personal support contacts, or professional health care resources.

All veterans are screened for possible TBI with a 4-question test. Those with a positive screen are referred to a TBI specialist for a Comprehensive TBI Evaluation, but specialists are often located at VA medical centers that not all veterans can easily reach. Therefore, the Office of Health Care Transformation funded a project to develop a standardized Comprehensive TBI Evaluation protocol delivered via telehealth technology. In 2013, a pilot project began at 16 sites; more than 40 sites have since been trained.

Diabetes is a relatively recent phenomenon among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). In 1940, only 21 cases of diabetes were identified among a Pima tribe, say researchers from the CDC’s Native Diabetes Wellness Program.

Although rare before the 1940s, diabetes cases have increased exponentially since. During 2010-2012, AI/AN adults were twice as likely to have diabetes as were non-Hispanic white adults. Unfortunately, AI/AN youth are catching up, with a 68% increase in diagnosed diabetes among those aged 15 to 19 years between 1994 and 2004, and a 100% increase between 1994 and 2007 among those aged 18 to 34 years. Moreover, in 2009, 21% of AI/AN children aged 2 to 4 years were obese and at risk for type 2 diabetes.

 In response, the CDC, among other agencies, is encouraging “tribally driven” solutions to the problem, like the CDC-funded Traditional Foods Project (2008-2014), which aims to “reclaim” original native food systems.

The Traditional Foods Project is having promising results, CDC researchers say. During the 6 years of the project, the “food sovereignty” movement to revive foods specific to the landscape, history, and culture of the native people grew both locally and nationally. Partners aligned their efforts with the 2008 Farm Bill and created opportunities to operationalize the Agricultural Act of 2014, such as serving traditional foods in public facilities. Other offshoots include Qaqamiigux: Traditional Foods and Recipes from the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands, published by Traditional Foods Project partner Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association.

Education is key, and tribal schools are providing hands-on learning activities about growing healthful foods, strengthened by local and national efforts such as the Farm to School initiative.

The momentum continues, the researchers say. Although the cooperative agreement ended in 2014, several programs have secured support through tribal councils, university partnerships, state and county health departments, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Diabetes is a relatively recent phenomenon among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). In 1940, only 21 cases of diabetes were identified among a Pima tribe, say researchers from the CDC’s Native Diabetes Wellness Program.

Although rare before the 1940s, diabetes cases have increased exponentially since. During 2010-2012, AI/AN adults were twice as likely to have diabetes as were non-Hispanic white adults. Unfortunately, AI/AN youth are catching up, with a 68% increase in diagnosed diabetes among those aged 15 to 19 years between 1994 and 2004, and a 100% increase between 1994 and 2007 among those aged 18 to 34 years. Moreover, in 2009, 21% of AI/AN children aged 2 to 4 years were obese and at risk for type 2 diabetes.

 In response, the CDC, among other agencies, is encouraging “tribally driven” solutions to the problem, like the CDC-funded Traditional Foods Project (2008-2014), which aims to “reclaim” original native food systems.

The Traditional Foods Project is having promising results, CDC researchers say. During the 6 years of the project, the “food sovereignty” movement to revive foods specific to the landscape, history, and culture of the native people grew both locally and nationally. Partners aligned their efforts with the 2008 Farm Bill and created opportunities to operationalize the Agricultural Act of 2014, such as serving traditional foods in public facilities. Other offshoots include Qaqamiigux: Traditional Foods and Recipes from the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands, published by Traditional Foods Project partner Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association.

Education is key, and tribal schools are providing hands-on learning activities about growing healthful foods, strengthened by local and national efforts such as the Farm to School initiative.

The momentum continues, the researchers say. Although the cooperative agreement ended in 2014, several programs have secured support through tribal councils, university partnerships, state and county health departments, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Diabetes is a relatively recent phenomenon among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). In 1940, only 21 cases of diabetes were identified among a Pima tribe, say researchers from the CDC’s Native Diabetes Wellness Program.

Although rare before the 1940s, diabetes cases have increased exponentially since. During 2010-2012, AI/AN adults were twice as likely to have diabetes as were non-Hispanic white adults. Unfortunately, AI/AN youth are catching up, with a 68% increase in diagnosed diabetes among those aged 15 to 19 years between 1994 and 2004, and a 100% increase between 1994 and 2007 among those aged 18 to 34 years. Moreover, in 2009, 21% of AI/AN children aged 2 to 4 years were obese and at risk for type 2 diabetes.

 In response, the CDC, among other agencies, is encouraging “tribally driven” solutions to the problem, like the CDC-funded Traditional Foods Project (2008-2014), which aims to “reclaim” original native food systems.

The Traditional Foods Project is having promising results, CDC researchers say. During the 6 years of the project, the “food sovereignty” movement to revive foods specific to the landscape, history, and culture of the native people grew both locally and nationally. Partners aligned their efforts with the 2008 Farm Bill and created opportunities to operationalize the Agricultural Act of 2014, such as serving traditional foods in public facilities. Other offshoots include Qaqamiigux: Traditional Foods and Recipes from the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands, published by Traditional Foods Project partner Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association.

Education is key, and tribal schools are providing hands-on learning activities about growing healthful foods, strengthened by local and national efforts such as the Farm to School initiative.

The momentum continues, the researchers say. Although the cooperative agreement ended in 2014, several programs have secured support through tribal councils, university partnerships, state and county health departments, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

After 6 of about 9,000 blood samples produced “unusual results,” scientists at the Mayo Clinic thought they might be looking at a new cause of Lyme disease. DNA sequencing showed that a new bacterium was the cause.

Provisionally named Borrelia mayonii (B mayonii), the bacterium is closely related to Borrelia burgdorferi (B burgdorferi), which until now was the only bacterium believed to cause Lyme disease in North America. Borrelia mayonii causes fever, headache, rash, and neck pain in the early stages and arthritis in later stages. Unlike B burgdorferi, B mayonii is also associated with nausea, vomiting, and a higher concentration of bacteria in blood. Instead of the famous “bull’s-eye rash,” B mayonii produces diffuse rashes.

The researchers believe, like B burgdorferi, B mayonii is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick. It has been identified in ticks collected in at least 2 counties in northwestern Minnesota. The patients were most likely infected in north central Minnesota and western Wisconsin; the CDC cautions that the infected ticks are found throughout both states. So far the new species is found only in the upper Midwest. Blood samples from residents of 43 other states with suspected tick-borne disease did not carry the bacterium.

Patients were treated successfully with the antibiotics used to treat Lyme disease caused by B burgdorferi. The CDC recommends that health care providers for patients infected by B mayonii follow the antibiotic regimen described by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

After 6 of about 9,000 blood samples produced “unusual results,” scientists at the Mayo Clinic thought they might be looking at a new cause of Lyme disease. DNA sequencing showed that a new bacterium was the cause.

Provisionally named Borrelia mayonii (B mayonii), the bacterium is closely related to Borrelia burgdorferi (B burgdorferi), which until now was the only bacterium believed to cause Lyme disease in North America. Borrelia mayonii causes fever, headache, rash, and neck pain in the early stages and arthritis in later stages. Unlike B burgdorferi, B mayonii is also associated with nausea, vomiting, and a higher concentration of bacteria in blood. Instead of the famous “bull’s-eye rash,” B mayonii produces diffuse rashes.

The researchers believe, like B burgdorferi, B mayonii is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick. It has been identified in ticks collected in at least 2 counties in northwestern Minnesota. The patients were most likely infected in north central Minnesota and western Wisconsin; the CDC cautions that the infected ticks are found throughout both states. So far the new species is found only in the upper Midwest. Blood samples from residents of 43 other states with suspected tick-borne disease did not carry the bacterium.

Patients were treated successfully with the antibiotics used to treat Lyme disease caused by B burgdorferi. The CDC recommends that health care providers for patients infected by B mayonii follow the antibiotic regimen described by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

After 6 of about 9,000 blood samples produced “unusual results,” scientists at the Mayo Clinic thought they might be looking at a new cause of Lyme disease. DNA sequencing showed that a new bacterium was the cause.

Provisionally named Borrelia mayonii (B mayonii), the bacterium is closely related to Borrelia burgdorferi (B burgdorferi), which until now was the only bacterium believed to cause Lyme disease in North America. Borrelia mayonii causes fever, headache, rash, and neck pain in the early stages and arthritis in later stages. Unlike B burgdorferi, B mayonii is also associated with nausea, vomiting, and a higher concentration of bacteria in blood. Instead of the famous “bull’s-eye rash,” B mayonii produces diffuse rashes.

The researchers believe, like B burgdorferi, B mayonii is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick. It has been identified in ticks collected in at least 2 counties in northwestern Minnesota. The patients were most likely infected in north central Minnesota and western Wisconsin; the CDC cautions that the infected ticks are found throughout both states. So far the new species is found only in the upper Midwest. Blood samples from residents of 43 other states with suspected tick-borne disease did not carry the bacterium.

Patients were treated successfully with the antibiotics used to treat Lyme disease caused by B burgdorferi. The CDC recommends that health care providers for patients infected by B mayonii follow the antibiotic regimen described by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Swimming with sharks, tightrope walking across a chasm, or leaping from a cliff are some of the striking visual warnings on posters for the Mind Your Risks public health campaign, launched by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

To raise awareness of how uncontrolled high blood pressure is linked to stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia, the NINDS is partnering with other groups, such as the CDC’s Million Hearts and the What Is Brain Health campaign, sponsored by the HHS Administration for Community Living.

The website, https://mindyourrisks.nih.gov, links to a variety of tools and resources available at the partner sites to help educate about high blood pressure. The website also hosts summaries of scientific studies on high blood pressure and dementia or cognitive impairment, including findings from Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities, an epidemiologic study whose data have been published in more than 800 articles in peer-reviewed journals.

The CDC provides fact sheets on stroke and heart disease, podcasts on heart healthy diets, PDFs on high blood pressure in English and Spanish, and other resources. The Million Hearts Team Up. Pressure Down program provides animated videos on treatment, handouts, a medication tracker wallet card, and more. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute resources include a Google hangout video on “Myth-busting blood pressure.”

Swimming with sharks, tightrope walking across a chasm, or leaping from a cliff are some of the striking visual warnings on posters for the Mind Your Risks public health campaign, launched by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

To raise awareness of how uncontrolled high blood pressure is linked to stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia, the NINDS is partnering with other groups, such as the CDC’s Million Hearts and the What Is Brain Health campaign, sponsored by the HHS Administration for Community Living.

The website, https://mindyourrisks.nih.gov, links to a variety of tools and resources available at the partner sites to help educate about high blood pressure. The website also hosts summaries of scientific studies on high blood pressure and dementia or cognitive impairment, including findings from Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities, an epidemiologic study whose data have been published in more than 800 articles in peer-reviewed journals.

The CDC provides fact sheets on stroke and heart disease, podcasts on heart healthy diets, PDFs on high blood pressure in English and Spanish, and other resources. The Million Hearts Team Up. Pressure Down program provides animated videos on treatment, handouts, a medication tracker wallet card, and more. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute resources include a Google hangout video on “Myth-busting blood pressure.”

Swimming with sharks, tightrope walking across a chasm, or leaping from a cliff are some of the striking visual warnings on posters for the Mind Your Risks public health campaign, launched by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

To raise awareness of how uncontrolled high blood pressure is linked to stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia, the NINDS is partnering with other groups, such as the CDC’s Million Hearts and the What Is Brain Health campaign, sponsored by the HHS Administration for Community Living.

The website, https://mindyourrisks.nih.gov, links to a variety of tools and resources available at the partner sites to help educate about high blood pressure. The website also hosts summaries of scientific studies on high blood pressure and dementia or cognitive impairment, including findings from Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities, an epidemiologic study whose data have been published in more than 800 articles in peer-reviewed journals.

The CDC provides fact sheets on stroke and heart disease, podcasts on heart healthy diets, PDFs on high blood pressure in English and Spanish, and other resources. The Million Hearts Team Up. Pressure Down program provides animated videos on treatment, handouts, a medication tracker wallet card, and more. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute resources include a Google hangout video on “Myth-busting blood pressure.”

A landmark study cofunded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Broad Institute, and other NIH components has shown that the risk of schizophrenia is increased in people who inherit a “suspect gene” that may affect the maturing adolescent brain.

Versions of the gene C4 may trigger “runaway pruning” of synapses, eliminating connections between neurons. People with schizophrenia show fewer neuron connections. “Normally, pruning gets rid of excess connections we no longer need, streamlining our brain for optimal performance,” says Thomas Lehner, PhD, director of the Office of Genomics Research Coordination at the NIMH. But overpruning can impair mental function, he says. The time of streamlining, during late teens and early adulthood, corresponds to the usual age-of-onset of schizophrenic symptoms.

In this study, researchers analyzed the genomes of 65,000 people and 700 postmortem brains. They found that the gene C4 switched on more in people with the suspect versions; those people faced a higher risk of schizophrenia.

Although it affects only about 1% of the population, schizophrenia is as much as 90% heritable. But just how the genes work to confer risk has been a mystery, say the researchers. Lead investigator Steve McCarroll, PhD, says, “Understanding these genetic effects on risk is a way of prying open that black box, peering inside and starting to see actual biological mechanisms.”

A landmark study cofunded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Broad Institute, and other NIH components has shown that the risk of schizophrenia is increased in people who inherit a “suspect gene” that may affect the maturing adolescent brain.

Versions of the gene C4 may trigger “runaway pruning” of synapses, eliminating connections between neurons. People with schizophrenia show fewer neuron connections. “Normally, pruning gets rid of excess connections we no longer need, streamlining our brain for optimal performance,” says Thomas Lehner, PhD, director of the Office of Genomics Research Coordination at the NIMH. But overpruning can impair mental function, he says. The time of streamlining, during late teens and early adulthood, corresponds to the usual age-of-onset of schizophrenic symptoms.

In this study, researchers analyzed the genomes of 65,000 people and 700 postmortem brains. They found that the gene C4 switched on more in people with the suspect versions; those people faced a higher risk of schizophrenia.

Although it affects only about 1% of the population, schizophrenia is as much as 90% heritable. But just how the genes work to confer risk has been a mystery, say the researchers. Lead investigator Steve McCarroll, PhD, says, “Understanding these genetic effects on risk is a way of prying open that black box, peering inside and starting to see actual biological mechanisms.”

A landmark study cofunded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Broad Institute, and other NIH components has shown that the risk of schizophrenia is increased in people who inherit a “suspect gene” that may affect the maturing adolescent brain.

Versions of the gene C4 may trigger “runaway pruning” of synapses, eliminating connections between neurons. People with schizophrenia show fewer neuron connections. “Normally, pruning gets rid of excess connections we no longer need, streamlining our brain for optimal performance,” says Thomas Lehner, PhD, director of the Office of Genomics Research Coordination at the NIMH. But overpruning can impair mental function, he says. The time of streamlining, during late teens and early adulthood, corresponds to the usual age-of-onset of schizophrenic symptoms.

In this study, researchers analyzed the genomes of 65,000 people and 700 postmortem brains. They found that the gene C4 switched on more in people with the suspect versions; those people faced a higher risk of schizophrenia.

Although it affects only about 1% of the population, schizophrenia is as much as 90% heritable. But just how the genes work to confer risk has been a mystery, say the researchers. Lead investigator Steve McCarroll, PhD, says, “Understanding these genetic effects on risk is a way of prying open that black box, peering inside and starting to see actual biological mechanisms.”