How genes, viruses and environment shape our minds

Hidden in our DNA are ancient viral remnants - genetic fossils called human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). These make up 8% of our genome and are leftovers from infections millions of years ago. Once dismissed as junk, some HERVs become reactivated and may influence our cells’ function. But could they also affect mental health? In this talk, we’ll explore if, or how, HERVs may affect our susceptibility to different psychiatric disorders. Join me for a fun dive into genetics, evolution, and neuroscience - all over a pint!

Your genes, or genome as captured by your DNA in your cells, code for how these cells function in your body. The genome varies between human individuals (~0.1% on average) in ways that may influence your health, well-being, and behaviour. One important topic is how genomic variation can make you more or less at risk for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or depression. In this presentation, I will try to explain some of the concepts, findings, and consequences of recent years’ research in the genomics of behaviour, that I think are valuable and hope that you find interesting.