Genetics: A significant amount of heritability has been seen in schizophrenia (meaning it runs in families). If both parents have the condition, you are at a 40% risk of developing it. There is no specific ‘schizophrenia gene’ but certain small genetic variants, deletions or duplications can contribute to the risk. On the other hand, 90% of schizophrenia patients don’t have an affected parent and identical twins only show 50% concordance (probability that they both have the condition given that one of them has it). So, maybe the genetics of the condition aren’t as clear as first thought - can you think of any environmental factors that may contribute?

Dopamine & glutamate: Dopamine and glutamate are 2 neurotransmitters (chemicals released by nerves) that can be associated with schizophrenia. Too much dopamine in an area of the brain called the striatum has been suggested to underly the delusions and hallucinations seen in the condition. Meanwhile, other research has looked at the contribution of poorly functioning glutamate receptors to schizophrenia-like behaviours. Most anti-psychotic drugs used for schizophrenia affect one of these chemicals. Do you think just one of these hypotheses is true, or do you think that both might contribute?

Neurodevelopment: Some think that schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder (affected by the way your brain develops), like ADHD. This is supported by the fact that some of the features of the condition have a prenatal (before birth) origin. Risk factors are mainly prenatal or peri-natal (just after birth) and pre-schizophrenia children show changes similar to the condition e.g. impaired movement skills. New research has shown that even your mother’s placenta can affect your risk.

What’s the link between dopamine, glutamate and schizophrenia?

The neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia

An introduction to gameChange VR therapy (to treat paranoia)

An introduction to avatar therapy (for people who hear voices)

The voices in my head (TED Talk by Eleanor Longden)

🌕 Listening from the Dark Side: What if the best place to study the early universe isn’t on Earth, but inside a crater on the Moon’s far side? This fascinating National Geographic article explores ambitious plans to build a giant radio telescope shielded from Earth’s constant radio noise, potentially allowing scientists to detect signals from the cosmic “dark ages” and uncover clues about the universe’s earliest moments. A must-read if you’re interested in Astronomy or Physics!

☣️ Plague and Prejudice: Epidemics have sometimes created scapegoats, from the Black Death to the AIDS crisis, but history shows that outbreaks often bring people together rather than drive them apart. This insightful History Today article explores the complex social dynamics of past epidemics, showing how fear and prejudice can coexist with solidarity and collective resilience. A fascinating read for anyone interested in History, Sociology, or Medicine!

⚖️ Inside Cancel Culture: When does public accountability become collective punishment? This thought-provoking Art Crime Archive article explores the psychology behind cancel culture, examining how social media can amplify calls for justice while also encouraging outrage, public shaming, and snap judgments that leave little room for growth or forgiveness. A fascinating read for anyone interested in Psychology, Ethics, or Sociology!

Thursday 18th June

Monday 22nd June