NEUROGENETICS
Silvia Paracchini Research GroupSilvia Paracchini
We are studying the genetic basis of complex cognitive and behavioural phenotypes. In particular we focus on the biology of dyslexia, a specific impairment in learning to read which is caused in large part by genetic factors. We are also interested in cognitive traits related to dyslexia such as general reading and language abilities.
More recently we have become interested in handedness and in a complex link between dyslexia and laterality. We are using large scale screening involving genome-wide and functional genomics approaches to identify candidate genes or loci underlying these phenotypes. In parallel we are developing functional assays to understand the biological mechanisms that mediate genetic differences to phenotypic variation.
Recent news
New paper
Our new paper exploring possible links between handedness and mathematical abilities is out in Laterality. A free version is available here.
Congratulations Angela!!!
Many congratulation Angela in passing your viva with minor corrections. Very sad to miss hugs and proper celebrations , but very happy and proud of your achievement!
New preprint!
Check out our new preprint reporting a meta-analysis to understand handedness frequencies in twins for which Judith Schmitz in our lab led the analysis. Another great collaboration with Sebastian Ocklenburg (Ruhr University Bochum) and Marietta Papadatou-Pastou...
First 2021 preprint
We are happy to share our first preprint of 2021 out in medRxiv reporting our latest work on language genetics. See this twitter explainer if you would like to find out more about this work.
PhD opportunity
Opportunity to a PhD to study the origin handedness. Apply to this project in collaboration with Prof Andy Gardner, School of Biology. Deadline 5th January. More details at this link