Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, affects around 1% of the population during their lifetime. Previous research had shown how different genes contribute to the development of the mental health condition.
The team compared the genetic material of 30,000 bipolar patients and 170,000 healthy subjects to detect small differences in genetic material, the University of Basel said in a statementExternal link. Professor Sven Cichon and his team at the University of Basel’s biomedicine department are now analysing the biological functions of the identified genes.
For the first time, the study also revealed evidence that insulin regulation and factors concerning how the body regulates pain are linked to the development of the disorder. It also showed that differences between two clinically distinct types of bipolar disorder are reflected in the genome.
Type 1, associated with more pronounced manic and depressive phases, is closer to schizophrenia at the genetic level, while Type 2, which is less pronounced, has genetic indications linking it with depression. It is hoped that these findings can help lead to new therapies.
Boats sail to Solothurn to celebrate 700 years of Le Landeron
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The challenge of crossing Lake Biel from Le Landeron to Solothurn without a motor was taken up by 16 amateur crews on Saturday. The competition is part of Le Landeron's 700th anniversary celebrations.
Swiss cantonal ministers keep low profile on social media
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A small base of followers and neutral posts: these are the conclusions that emerge from a study published by UNIL researchers into the use of social networks by councillors of state.
Swiss rents forecast to rise up to 5% annually, housing chief warns
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Rents on the Swiss market are set to rise by between 3% and 5% a year over the next few years, warned Martin Tschirren, Director of the Federal Housing Office (FHO), on Sunday. "Demand for housing remains higher than supply".
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The Council of the Swiss Abroad, meeting today in Bern, passed a resolution in favour of the new Electronic Identity Act (Id-e), which will be put to the vote on 28 September.
One person consumes 4.8 megawatt hours of electricity
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On average, the Swiss consume 4.8 megawatt hours of electricity per year. According to Velobiz.de, this is roughly equivalent to the amount generated by all 176 cyclists in the Tour de France during the entire race.
Outgoing ICRC chief in Ukraine defends neutrality amid war
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Swiss national Jürg Eglin, outgoing head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Ukraine, reflects on his tenure.
Green party leader criticises government’s neo-liberal policy
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The Green Party delegates' meeting opened on Saturday morning in Vicques (JU) with a speech by party president Lisa Mazzone. Mazzone took particular aim at the Federal Council's policy towards the United States.
Working on Sundays is detrimental to well-being, says Swiss study
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A study by the University of Bern shows that working on Sundays is detrimental to well-being and particularly affects women.
Safra Sarasin private bank and former asset manager sentenced
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The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has fined private bank J. Safra Sarasin CHF3.5 million for aggravated money laundering. A former bank employee received a six-month suspended prison sentence.
JPMorgan to pay CHF270 million to settle 1MDB claims
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JPMorgan Chase has agreed to pay CHF270 million to the Malaysian government to settle all issues related to its role in the 1MDB financial scandal.
Swiss non-profit aims to break taboo of women’s brain health
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If depression is twice as common in women than men worldwide, does that mean we need to change how we think about gender, health, and science?
In Zurich, Syrians mobilise in bid to boost mental health
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The men and women gathered in a spartan room are a moving reminder of the vitality and diversity of Syrian society when the country was blooming.
Video games addiction recognised as mental health problem
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In Switzerland, there are around 70,000 “problematic” internet users – a stable number for the past five years that includes hardcore gamers.
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