Short Wave
Researchers Are Figuring Out How African Ancestry Can Affect Certain Brain Disorders
Jul 3, 2024
Join Jon Hamilton, NPR's science correspondent with a focus on health and science, as he dives into fascinating research on African ancestry and brain disorders. They discuss the underrepresentation of Black Americans in genomic studies and how this gap affects understanding risks for conditions like Alzheimer’s and stroke. The conversation highlights initiatives aimed at fostering trust in the Black community and ethical engagement in research, along with groundbreaking findings on how ancestry influences brain health.
13:23
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- African ancestry affects brain cells, increasing risk of Alzheimer's and stroke.
- Research highlights genetic ancestry's influence on brain disorders, emphasizing disparities and potential treatments.
Deep dives
Efforts to Diversify Brain Science
Researchers are exploring disparities in brain disorders among different racial groups, focusing on conditions like Alzheimer's, stroke, and Parkinson's. A community group in Baltimore, the African Ancestry Neuroscience Research Initiative, is investigating the causes behind these health inequities. The lead scientist, Kynan J. Benjamin, emphasizes the impact of genetic ancestry on disease risk within the black American community.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
