New York, NY, USA. The first large scale investigation to search for trauma-induced changes in the genes of people found that traumatic experiences are biologically embedded in select genes, altering their functions and leading to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD may occur shortly after a major trauma and is usually of short duration, with relief after 3 months. However, delays in the onset of more than 6 months after the event can result in the longer-term form and last for many years.

Providence, RI, USA. Researchers, have found that specific genetic variations can predict how persistently people will believe advice they are given, even when it is contradicted by experience.

Researchers including Michael Frank, assistant professor of cognitive, linguistic, and psychological sciences at at Brown University, have studied the striatum intensely, but have been curious about the effect that the advice-influenced prefrontal cortex (PFC) has on its function.