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Genetic Study Links Stuttering to 57 Key Regions

9/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study of over one million 23andMe users finds a genetic, neurological basis for stuttering.
It identifies 57 genetic regions across 48 genes linked to stuttering, VRK2 the strongest male-associated gene; published in Nature Genetics.
VRK2 is also linked to clapping on beat and Alzheimer's language decline.
Limitations include gender imbalance and underrepresentation of Asian and African ancestry participants.

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Story summary

A study of over one million 23andMe users finds a genetic, neurological basis for stuttering.
It identifies 57 genetic regions across 48 genes linked to stuttering, VRK2 the strongest male-associated gene; published in Nature Genetics.
VRK2 is also linked to clapping on beat and Alzheimer's language decline.
Limitations include gender imbalance and underrepresentation of Asian and African ancestry participants.