BRAINLab

Using genetics + neuroscience + experimental psychology to understand individual differences in brain function, behavior, & psychopathology

[Alex P. Miller @Alex_PMiller]

Excited to share some new work from our group @WUSTL where we examined characteristics associated with early cannabis use initiation in the ABCD Study published in @JAMAPediatrics.

https://t.co/vcmNw5phsj

[Alex P. Miller @Alex_PMiller]

This finding parallels previous work led by co-authors @spaul1124 (https://t.co/wmd9BPjosj) and @David_Baranger (https://t.co/V4ZZHzbHvY) showing links between prenatal cannabis exposure and persistent risk for greater psychopathology in middle childhood and early adolescence.

[AlexanderSHatoum @AlexanderHatoum]

Just Online: https://t.co/c3VkP4wBze. We conducted the largest GWAS of addiction to date by combining information across substance use disorders. A thread on a GWAS of addiction in >1 million individuals across two ethnicities #GWAS #MedTwitter #PsychTwitter #Addiction (1/9)

[David Baranger @David_Baranger]

Happy to share some new work - prenatal cannabis exposure continues to be associated with elevated mental health burden through the 3rd wave of the ABCD study (ages 9-12; N=10 631, n=30 091 observations). https://t.co/rloni9oXmT @JAMAPediatrics (1/8) 🧵:

[David Baranger @David_Baranger]

There's now an even easier way to run a power analysis for an interaction! We've launched a new Shiny app for the {InteractionPoweR} package functions for analytic power. The app is reactive and helps you to visualize your model as you run the analysis: https://t.co/KmHCOdTD5e

[Jordan Smoller @jorsmo]

Sharing our new work on the genomic architecture of #brain cortical structure led by @Andrew_Grotz @wakeworksleep @zhaowenliu_kaka @getian107

Multivariate Genomic Architecture of Cortical Thickness and Surface Area at Multiple Levels of Analysis https://t.co/jrgQwpVkBv

[BRAINLab @BRAINLab_WUSTL]

Longitudinal analysis reveals high prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus associated with multiple sclerosis https://t.co/vWccLCTsla

[AlexanderSHatoum @AlexanderHatoum]

GWAS preprint: We conducted the largest GWAS of addiction to date by combining information across substance use disorders, (based on our past work PMID: 34750568). A thread on a GWAS of addiction in >1 million individuals across two ethnicities (1/8)
https://t.co/2x5OailJzh

[Joseph D. Deak, PhD @Joseph_Deak]

A quick thread linking a series of 4 papers examining substance use polygenic scores (PGS) with developmental trajectories of (1) problematic substance use, (2) externalizing & internalizing outcomes, (3) educational achievement, & (4) comparing PGS with family history of SUDs.

[AlexanderSHatoum @AlexanderHatoum]

Our work showing common genetic effects across Substance use disorders is now out! Our "Addiction Risk Factor" shows distinctions from substance use and psychopathology, thus addiction is a unique facet of behavior, not to be conflated with substance use!
https://t.co/DvJyREtOtg

[AlexanderSHatoum @AlexanderHatoum]

Our study https://t.co/S0ANWhLRnk) shows that CUD accounts for ~35 percent of the genetic risk to #COVID hospitalization. This effect remains above and beyond risk for tobacco smoking, BMI, and other risk factors (Consistent with other respiratory disease;https://t.co/fzCVCekJ9z)

[AlexanderSHatoum @AlexanderHatoum]

Preprint alert! TL;DR We find that a common genetic mechanism underlies Substance Use Disorder behaviors, and remains when controlling for genetics of substance use. Suggesting an #addictions genetic mechanism, what we call the a(g)-Factor, a thread! 1/8 https://t.co/18BJVKX7vh

[AlexanderSHatoum @AlexanderHatoum]

Preprint alert: #MedTwitter #psychtwitter
Using a genetic design we link COVID-19 hospitalization to cannabis and tobacco use. Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) had the strongest genetic association, remained over and above tobacco and was potentially causal.
https://t.co/UpV6L0HSTg

[PersonomicsLab @PersonomicsLab]

Our @NatureNeuro primer on brain representations is out (https://t.co/O9ETdUObVK). Check out 10 best practice guidelines and a discussion of challenges. Tell us what you think? With big thanks to @EugenePDuff, @fmrib_steve, @SaadJbabdi, @MR_CFBeckmann, Sam Harrison, Mark Woolrich

[AlexanderSHatoum @AlexanderHatoum]

Glad to see our GWAS out! Great work by @e_covey_johnson. Accumulating evidence that "this is your brain on drugs" is not the explanation for all imaging SUDs results, some brain systems are vulnerabilities. We need genetic designs to tear it apart! https://t.co/jHsmkz72q0

[Joseph D. Deak, PhD @Joseph_Deak]

The largest GWAS of cannabis use disorder to date is now available online @TheLancetPsych led by the talented @e_covey_johnson and colleagues @PGCgenetics. Check it out!

[BRAINLab @BRAINLab_WUSTL]

@RLatzman So sorry to hear - he will be missed terribly.

[Rob Latzman @RLatzman]

It is with great sadness that I share the news that Scott Lilienfeld passed away last night. His wife Candice asked that I share the news with his professional community. The field has lost a giant, & more importantly, for many, a kind & thoughtful friend. My heart is heavy.

[Sarah Paul @spaul1124]

Thrilled to share with you our @JAMAPsych paper examining childhood outcomes associated with prenatal cannabis exposure.

A Thread 🧵 encouraged by my brother @_HarryPaul_. #MedTwitter #PsychTwitter

https://t.co/9NukvGzXrl