NEUROGENETICS
Silvia Paracchini Research GroupThe Neurogenetics group at the University of St Andrews is directed by Prof Silvia Paracchini. We are studying the genetic basis of complex cognitive and behavioural phenotypes. In particular we focus on the biology of dyslexia, a specific difficulty 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. We work with collaborators based in different countries and with expertise in different disciplines.
Recent news
EXPLORATHON 2018
We did it! Our group took part to the Explorathon 2018, at a science fair hosted at the Dundee Science Centre on Saturday 29th September as part of the European Researchers’ Night and supported by the European Commission. We presented for the first time the ePeg, a...
New Paper!
See our latest paper reviewing the Neuronal Migration Hypothesis for dyslexia out in the European Journal of Neuroscience https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ejn.14149
School of Medicine Research Away Day prizes!
Congratulations to Angela for winning the prize for best poster and to Rebeca for winning £3000 to get started with a new project!
6th North Sea Laterality Meeting
The group attended the recent North Sea Laterality conference hosted by Abertay University in Dundee. Silvia gave an oral talk presenting for the first time to the public the the ePeg, a new device aimed at measuring handedness more accurately. We also presented a...
Stephen Gethins’ visit to the lab
We are delighted to welcome our MP Stephen Gethins as part of the Royal Society Westminster Pairing Scheme. Silvia spent a week in London shadowing Stephen back in December (read more about it here) learning about how the Parliament works. Stephen visited our lab...
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