VA’s Office of Research and Development has released findings from three studies focusing on schizophrenia, burn pit exposure, and prostate cancer risk.

In a significant study on schizophrenia, researchers identified over 100 genetic regions influencing the risk of the disorder among people of African ancestry, analyzing data from more than 13,500 Veterans with schizophrenia and 65,000 controls. The study highlights both shared and unique genetic risk factors, emphasizing the need for diverse study populations in genetic research.

A separate study revealed that Veterans exposed to military burn pits had three times the level of carbon particles in their lungs compared to those who were not exposed. Biopsies from 24 Veterans with lung disease showed carbon levels akin to tobacco smokers, indicating long-term effects of burn pit smoke on lung health.

Additionally, researchers developed a genetic prediction model for prostate cancer risk, using data from over 585,000 male Veterans. The P-CARE scale incorporates family history and genetic factors, identifying patients at significantly higher risk. Validation tests showed improved accuracy of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, and the model is now undergoing clinical trials for precision prostate cancer screening.