{
  "id": 28414,
  "title": "Highlights from the first-ever Neural Genetics and Epigenetics Gordon Research Conference",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/30/highlights-from-the-first-ever-neural-genetics-and-epigenetics-gordon",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-07-30T16:47:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Transmitter",
    "slug": "the-transmitter",
    "url": "https://www.thetransmitter.org/epigenetics/highlights-from-the-first-ever-neural-genetics-and-epigenetics-gordon-research-conference/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The first-ever Neural Genetics and Epigenetics Gordon Research Conference took place at Colby-Sawyer College in rural New Hampshire last week. Around 120 genetic neuroscientists from around the world gathered to present their work on various aspects of neuronal epigenetic regulation over a span of five days. Organizers and attendees discussed major themes, takeaways, and standout talks from the conference.\n\nOne of the noteworthy themes at the conference was the shift from focusing on individual genes or marks to understanding epigenetic regulation at an integrated level. Researchers emphasized the importance of considering gene programs as whole systems and how manipulating certain chromatin marks can impact other compartments within the nucleus. For example, disrupting heterochromatin can affect the organization of euchromatin, two primary compartments within the nucleus.\n\nThe conference also highlighted progress in understanding the role of epigenetic mechanisms in neuroplasticity and brain development. Angel Barco from Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante noted that the field has expanded and matured, with researchers now utilizing a broader range of approaches beyond the latest emerging technologies. Maria Chahrour from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center pointed out the value in studying individual genes in depth, as it enables a better understanding of the mechanisms at play and their collective impact on broader themes.\n\nSome standout talks included Ian Maze's presentation, which brought a biochemical perspective to the study of the nucleus, and Shelley Berger's research on how epigenetic changes regulate ant behavior and social roles. Zhaolan (Joe) Zhou from the University of Pennsylvania appreciated talks that explored epigenetics from an evolutionary perspective, particularly those by Ava Carter and Debbie Silver from Michael Greenberg's lab. These talks aimed to understand how epigenetic mechanisms have evolved across species, aiding in the translation of discoveries from model systems to humans.",
  "summary": "The meeting’s organizers recap the science to watch.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "eLife",
        "title": "Neural correlates of perceptual consciousness from within: A narrative review of human intracranial research",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/30/neural-correlates-of-perceptual-consciousness-from-within-a-narrative",
        "published": "2026-07-30T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}