The Society for the Study of Addiction
The Society for the Study of Addiction
Mendelian Randomisation
Mendelian Randomisation
Mendelian Randomisation
Monday 4th April 2022
Chloe Burke and Saba Ishrat explain Mendelian Randomisation in addiction research, featuring expert insights on genetic links to drinking, mental health, and substance use.
44 minutes
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The Society for the Study of Addiction
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Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
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Body & Mind
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Get the buttons here!Mendelian Randomisation: Unpacking Genetic Clues in Addiction Research
Mr is a really exciting method, but I think there are lots of potential limitations...In my work what I'm trying to do is use trajectories of mental health and substance use in the whole population as outcomes to try and avoid this collider bias.
Ever wondered how genetics can shed light on addiction? In this episode of 'PhD: Addicted to Research', hosts Chloe Burke and Saba Ishrat break down the concept of Mendelian Randomisation (MR) and its role in addiction studies. This isn’t just a deep dive into science jargon; it’s an engaging chat about how MR helps researchers understand the genetic factors behind addiction and its related health issues.
Chloe and Saba start by explaining the basics of MR, making it accessible even if you’re not a science whiz. They discuss how MR can pinpoint causal relationships in addiction research and highlight some of its limitations. To bring these concepts to life, they chat with two experts in the field. First up is Dr Anya Topiwala, who shares her experiences using MR to explore the link between drinking and telomere length.
Her insights make the complex science feel tangible and relevant. Next, Dr Robyn Wootton dives into her research on the relationship between mental health and substance use through the lens of MR. She doesn’t shy away from discussing the potential pitfalls of MR, offering practical tips on how to navigate them. This part of the episode is particularly enlightening for anyone interested in the nitty-gritty of addiction research.
The episode also touches on collider bias and bidirectional relationships, two tricky areas that can trip up researchers. Chloe and Saba, along with their guests, provide strategies to avoid these pitfalls, making this episode a valuable resource for both budding and seasoned researchers. If you’re curious about how genetic research is shaping our understanding of addiction, this episode is a must-listen.
It’s not just about the science; it’s about making sense of it all and seeing how these insights can lead to better treatment and prevention strategies.