scholarly journals The Michigan State University Twin Registry (MSUTR): 15 Years of Twin and Family Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 741-745 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Alexandra Burt ◽  
Kelly L. Klump
Keyword(s):  
Family Environment ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Buccal Swab ◽  
Michigan State University ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
State University ◽  
Twin Registry ◽  
Population Based Registry

AbstractThe primary aim of the Michigan State University Twin Registry (MSUTR) is to examine developmental differences in genetic, environmental, neural, epigenetic, and neurobiological influences on psychopathology and resilience, particularly during childhood and adolescence. The MSUTR has two broad components: a large-scale, population-based registry of child, adolescent, and adult twins and their families (current N ~30,000) and a series of more focused and in-depth studies drawn from the registry (projected N ~7200). Participants in the population-based registry complete a family health and demographic questionnaire via mail. Families can then be recruited for one or more of the intensive, in-person studies from the population-based registry, using any one of several recruitment strategies (e.g., population-based, based on their answers to the registry questionnaire). These latter studies target a variety of biological, genetic, and environmental phenotypes, including multi-informant measures of psychiatric and behavioral phenotypes, functional and structural neuroimaging, comprehensive measures of the twin family environment (e.g., census and neighborhood informant reports of twin neighborhood characteristics, videotaped interactions of child twin families), buccal swab and salivary DNA samples, and/or assays of adolescent and adult steroid hormone levels. This article provides an overview of the MSUTR and describes current and future research directions.

scholarly journals The Michigan State University Twin Registry (MSUTR): An Update

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 344-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Alexandra Burt ◽  
Kelly L. Klump
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Externalizing Disorders ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Buccal Swab ◽  
Michigan State University ◽  
State University ◽  
Twin Registry ◽  
Population Based Registry

The primary aim of the Michigan State University Twin Registry (MSUTR) is on understanding developmental changes in genetic, environmental, and neurobiological influences on internalizing and externalizing disorders, with antisocial behavior and disordered eating representing our particular areas of interest. The MSUTR has two broad components: a large-scale, population-based registry of child, adolescent, and adult twins and their families (current N ~20,000) and a series of more focused and in-depth studies drawn from the registry (current N ~4,000). Participants in the population-based registry complete a family health and demographic questionnaire via mail. Families are then recruited for one or more of the intensive, in-person studies from the population-based registry based on their answers to relevant items in the registry questionnaire. These in-person assessments target a variety of biological, genetic, and environmental phenotypes, including multi-informant measures of psychiatric and behavioral phenotypes, census and neighborhood informant reports of twin neighborhood characteristics, buccal swab and salivary DNA samples, assays of adolescent and adult steroid hormone levels, and/or videotaped interactions of child twin families. This article provides an overview of the MSUTR and describes current and future research directions.

scholarly journals The Michigan State University Twin Registry (MSUTR): Genetic, Environmental and Neurobiological Influences on Behavior Across Development

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 971-977 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly L. Klump ◽  
S. Alexandra Burt
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Developmental Differences ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Buccal Swab ◽  
Michigan State University ◽  
State University ◽  
Twin Registry ◽  
Twin Families ◽  
Data Collections ◽  
Areas Of Interest

AbstractThe primary aim of the Michigan State University Twin Registry (MSUTR) is to examine developmental differences in genetic, environmental, and neurobiological influences on internalizing and externalizing symptoms, with disordered eating and antisocial behavior representing particular areas of interest. Twin participants span several developmental stages (i.e., childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood). Assessments include comprehensive, multiinformant measures of psychiatric and behavioral phenotypes, buccal swab and salivary DNA samples, assays of adolescent and adult steroid hormone levels (e.g., estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol), and videotaped parent–child interactions of child and adolescent twin families. To date, we have collected data on over 1000 twins, with additional data collections underway. This article provides an overview of the newly developed MSUTR and describes current and future research directions.

scholarly journals Delinquent peer affiliation as an etiological moderator of childhood delinquency

2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 1269-1278 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Burt ◽  
K. L. Klump
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Genetic Influences ◽  
Michigan State University ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
State University ◽  
Prior Work ◽  
Peer Affiliation ◽  
Twin Registry ◽  
Delinquent Peer ◽  
Delinquent Peers

BackgroundPrior research has indicated that affiliation with delinquent peers activates genetic influences on delinquency during adolescence. However, because other studies have indicated that the socializing effects of delinquent peers vary dramatically across childhood and adolescence, it is unclear whether delinquent peer affiliation (DPA) also moderates genetic influences on delinquency during childhood.MethodThe current study sought to evaluate whether and how DPA moderated the etiology of delinquency in a sample of 726 child twins from the Michigan State University Twin Registry (MSUTR).ResultsThe results robustly supported etiological moderation of childhood delinquency by DPA. However, this effect was observed for shared environmental, rather than genetic, influences. Shared environmental influences on delinquency were found to be several-fold larger in those with higher levels of DPA as compared to those with lower levels. This pattern of results persisted even when controlling for the overlap between delinquency and DPA.ConclusionsOur findings bolster prior work in suggesting that, during childhood, the association between DPA and delinquency is largely (although not solely) attributable to the effects of socialization as compared to selection. They also suggest that the process of etiological moderation is not specific to genetic influences. Latent environmental influences are also amenable to moderation by measured environmental factors.

The Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry, Revisited

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 424-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily C. H. Lilley ◽  
Judy L. Silberg
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Developmental Psychopathology ◽  
Human Microbiome ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Twin Registry ◽  
Children Of Twins ◽  
Scientific Disciplines ◽  
Sleep Homeostasis ◽  
Population Based Registry

The Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry (MATR) is a population-based registry of more than 56,000 twins primarily born or living in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The MATR employs several methods of ascertaining twins, and devotes considerable resources to tracking and maintaining communication with MATR participants. Researchers may utilize the MATR for administration of research services including study recruitment, collection of DNA, archival data set creation, as well as data collection through mailed, phone, or online surveys. In addition, the MATR houses the MATR Repository, with over 1,200 blood samples available for researchers interested in DNA genotyping. For over 35 years MATR twins have participated in research studies with investigators from diverse scientific disciplines and various institutions. These studies, which have resulted in numerous publications, have covered a range of topics, including the human microbiome, developmental psychopathology, depression, anxiety, substance use, epigenetics of aging, children of twins, pre-term birth, social attitudes, seizures, eating disorders, as well as sleep homeostasis. Researchers interested in utilizing twins are encouraged to contact the MATR to discuss potential research opportunities.

scholarly journals PURSUING AGE-FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY PRINCIPLES AT A MAJOR UNIVERSITY: LESSONS IN GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S762-S762
Author(s):  
Clare C Luz
Keyword(s):  
Information Exchange ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Michigan State University ◽  
State University ◽  
Grassroots Organizing ◽  
Public Issues ◽  
Clear Vision ◽  
Key Steps

Abstract Rapid population aging presents opportunities for higher education to address major aging-related public issues facing society that have a direct impact on students, faculty, and both local and global communities. Students in virtually all disciplines will be working within the context of an aging society post-graduation and need to be prepared as they make career choices and enter the workforce. Further, faculty and staff are not only aging themselves but may be caregivers, which has an impact on health, income and productivity. Michigan State University (MSU) is now addressing these needs through a new program guided by Age-Friendly University (AFU) principles called AgeAlive that grew out of five years of grassroots organizing. Large-scale, research-intensive institutions present special challenges to pursuing AFU status but the lessons learned by AgeAlive may help any organization that wishes to become more age friendly. This session will review AgeAlive’s path to a recognized program with a clear vision, a strategic plan, two crosscutting goals including AFU designation, and five focus areas with initiatives in each area. Tools to help achieve these goals include an inventory of aging-related activity on campus and a virtual hub for networking and information exchange. Key steps in the program development process will be described as will recommendations related to choosing a model, cultivating champions, making decisions based on data, and building infrastructure. It will allow others to understand what challenges they may face and potential approaches to minimizing and overcoming these challenges in their own AFU journey.

Colorado Twin Registry

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 941-949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally-Ann Rhea ◽  
Andy A. Gross ◽  
Brett C. Haberstick ◽  
Robin P. Corley
Keyword(s):  
Reading Ability ◽  
Behavioral Genetics ◽  
Early Reading ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Early Reading Development ◽  
University Of Colorado ◽  
Executive Cognitive Function ◽  
Twin Registry ◽  
Population Based Registry

AbstractThe Colorado Twin Registry (CTR) is a population-based registry housed at the Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado. Recruited subjects' birth years date from 1968. Four samples comprise the CTR: the Community Twin Sample, Infant Twin Sample, Longitudinal Twin Sample, and the Early Reading Development Sample. Criteria for enrollment, recruitment strategies, demographic information and zygosity assignment are explained for each sample. In addition, 8 studies in which CTR twins have participated are highlighted. These include studies of early cognition, early reading ability, executive cognitive function, and vulnerability to substance abuse and antisocial behavior. Goals, measures, and brief results are provided for each study. The development of the CTR is an ongoing and evolving process, and it has proved to be a valuable resource, relatively representative of the population from which it was drawn.

scholarly journals The Etiological Moderation of Aggressive and Nonaggressive Antisocial Behavior by Age

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 343-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Alexandra Burt ◽  
Kelly L. Klump
Keyword(s):  
Antisocial Behavior ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Genetic Influences ◽  
Michigan State University ◽  
State University ◽  
Genetic Expression ◽  
Twin Registry ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Rule Breaking ◽  
Additional Support

AbstractA recent study has suggested that aggressive (AGG) and non-aggressive, rule-breaking (RB) antisocial behavior evidence differential and subtype-specific patterns of genetic expression during development. Namely, although genetic influences on RB increase dramatically during early- to mid-adolescence, genetic influences on AGG appear to remain stable. As no other study has examined age-related change in AGG versus RB, more research is clearly needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn. The current study thus examined whether and how age impacted genetic and environmental influences on AGG and RB in a sample of 252 10- to 15-year-old twin pairs assessed as part of the Michigan State University Twin Registry (MSUTR). Results constructively replicated and extended prior findings, indicating that while the magnitude of genetic and environmental influences on AGG remained stable across adolescence, genetic influences on RB increased dramatically with age. Such findings provide additional support for etiological distinctions within the broader construct of antisocial behavior based on the presence or absence of aggression, and offer insights into the expression of genetic influences during development.

Bulimia nervosa and major depression: a study of common genetic and environmental factors

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 617-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen E. Walters ◽  
Michael C. Neale ◽  
Lindon J. Eaves ◽  
Andrew C. Heath ◽  
Ronald C. Kessler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Major Depression ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Family Environment ◽  
Environmental Risk ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Environmental Risk Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinical Diagnoses ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors

SynopsisA genetic analysis of the co-occurrence of bulimia and major depression (MD) was performed on 1033 female twin pairs obtained from a population based register. Personal interviews were conducted and clinical diagnoses made according to DSM-III-R criteria.Additive genes, but not family environment, are found to play an important aetiological role in both bulimia and MD. The genetic liabilities of the two disorders are correlated 0·456. While unique environmental factors account for around half of the variation in liability to both bulimia and MD, these risk factors appear to be unrelated, i.e., each disorder has its own set of unique environmental risk factors. Thus, the genetic liability of bulimia and MD is neither highly specific nor entirely nonspecific. There is some genetic correlation between the two disorders as well as some genetic and environmental risk factors unique to each disorder. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

A Historical Snapshot of Latinx Student Activism from the 1960s to 1990s: A University Archival Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 153819272110086
Author(s):  
Stephen Santa-Ramirez
Keyword(s):  
Student Activism ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Michigan State University ◽  
State University ◽  
Institutional Agents ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Student Activists ◽  
Transformational Resistance ◽  
Library Book ◽  
The 1960S

The activism efforts of Latinx students from the 1960s to 1990s at Michigan State University preceded the current resources available to Latinxs on campus today. Guided by transformational resistance, university library archival sources are used to showcase various activism efforts demonstrated by these collegians. Some include a grape purchasing boycott, a sit-in, and a massive library book check-out protest, which all collectively played salient roles in the development of transformational changes for Latinx students. Recommendations from the findings are provided to advance future research and practice for institutional agents in working for and alongside student activists versus against them.

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